U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo on Thursday said that his country is not seeking war with Iran, warning, however, of a "swift and decisive" U.S. response to any attack.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks," Pompeo said in a statement.

"The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against U.S. interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive U.S. response," he added, stressing that Washington's restraint should not be mistaken for "a lack of resolve".

"As President Trump stated yesterday, he 'looks forward to someday meeting with leaders of Iran in order to work out an agreement and, very importantly, taking steps to give Iran the future it deserves,'" Pompeo concluded.