White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday dismissed reports that the US had formally sought an extension of the ceasefire. However, high-level diplomatic negotiations with Iran remain active and “productive and ongoing”. She further added that the next round of talks is likely to take place in Pakistan.
“Bad news this morning that we have formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this time,” Leavitt said during a news briefing.
She added that the US remains engaged in ongoing diplomatic negotiations. “We remain very engaged in those negotiations, in those conversations. You’ve heard from the vice president and the president this week that those conversations are productive and continuing, and that’s where we’re at right now,” she said.
Leavitt further indicated that the US administration remains cautiously optimistic about the direction of negotiations. “We feel good about the prospects for a deal. The president mentioned that in his conversation yesterday,” she said, noting that Iran had been informed of the US negotiating position.
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“It’s in Iran’s best interest to comply with the president’s demands. I think he’s made the other side clear about his red lines in these negotiations. We’re still monitoring how these talks are going,” she said.
The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement involving regional and global players as efforts continue to bring stability after weeks of conflict.
Regarding the location of the next possible talks, she said, “They would very likely be in the same place as last time… They (Pakistan) are the only mediator in this negotiation, while there are many countries around the world who want to offer their help. The president believes that it is important to continue to make this communication more effective through the Pakistanis, and that continues to be the case.”
Amid a fragile two-week ceasefire and a looming naval blockade, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Wednesday.
His bet visit is seen as a last-minute attempt to revive peace talks between Washington and Tehran after the “Islamabad Talks” ended without a breakthrough.
General Munir, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
His bet visit is seen as a last-minute attempt to revive peace talks between Washington and Tehran after the “Islamabad Talks” ended without a breakthrough.
According to Iranian state media and diplomatic sources, the delegation carries a specific new message from the United States to outline the framework for the second round of high-level talks.
The diplomatic push in Tehran comes as US President Donald Trump has indicated that while he is not considering extending the ongoing two-week ceasefire, a negotiated settlement remains the preferred route.
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In an interview with ABC News’ chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, the US president expressed confidence that an extension of the truce would not be necessary, noting: “I think you’re going to watch an amazing two days ahead. Really.”
Building on that sentiment, Trump emphasized the benefits of a diplomatic resolution when asked whether hostilities would end with a deal or the neutralization of Iran’s capabilities.
“It could end either way, but I think the deal is better because then they can resume,” he said, adding that “regardless, we have eliminated the radicals.”
The urgency of such a breakthrough was further highlighted by Trump’s suggestion that further talks could take place within the next 48 hours.
Direct talks between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials held on April 11-12 lasted 21 hours but failed over “red line” issues, primarily Iran’s nuclear program.
