The White House issued a series of statements on the ongoing West Asian conflict and negotiations with Iran, emphasizing that President Donald Trump retains full control over the timing, strategy and pressure measures, including the ongoing naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was not working with any firm deadline for Iran’s response.
“I’m not going to set a timetable for the president,” she said, dismissing reports of a “3- to 5-day deadline” as “false.”
“The president didn’t set the deadline himself. Ultimately, he will dictate the timeline,” Leavitt added.
She went on to say that Trump is “comfortable with the naval blockade” and believes Iran is in a “very weak position,” adding that “the cards are in President Trump’s hands right now.”
Trump-driven timeline of ceasefires and conflicts
As for the duration of the conflict in West Asia, Leavitt said the timeline remains open.
“Ultimately, President Trump will dictate the timeline and he will do so when he feels it is in the best interest of the United States and the American people,” she said.
Trump’s comments on Iran ‘have no negative impact’
The White House has expressed concerns about Trump’s Truth Social posts influencing negotiations and denied any such connection.
“Look at where we are right now. The president decided to extend the ceasefire because it’s Iran that needs to act,” Leavitt said.
“The short answer to your question is no,” she added when asked if the posts hurt the negotiations.
The US claims to understand Iran’s internal power structure
Leavitt said the US and its intelligence community have insight into Iran’s decision-making structure.
“The White House and our intelligence community certainly have a good understanding,” she said.
However, she noted that Washington is seeking a unified position for Tehran.
“We want to see a unified response and a unified proposal,” she added, pointing to “various messages on social media” from Iranian officials.
Iran split between ‘pragmatists and hardliners’
Describing the internal dynamics in Iran, Leavitt said the country is divided.
“Right now it’s a battle between the pragmatists and the hardliners in Iran,” she said.
She added that military strikes are suspended as part of the ceasefire, but pressure continues.
“There is a ceasefire with military and kinetic strikes, but Operation Economic Fury continues,” she said.
Leavitt confirmed that the naval blockade remains active and said it continues to restrict the movement of vessels to and from Iranian ports.
The US maintains control and leverage
The White House asserted a strong US influence on the situation.
“The United States maintains control over this situation and leverage over the Iranian regime,” Leavitt said.
She argued that Iran has been weakened militarily and is under sustained economic pressure.
“They are losing economically and financially every moment that passes with this blockade,” she added.
It offers Iran negotiation and flexibility
During ongoing talks, Leavitt said U.S. negotiators have already met directly with Iranian representatives.
“We obviously know who we’re negotiating with because our negotiating team has sat down with these individuals in person,” she said.
But she reiterated concerns about internal divisions in Iran.
“The president is offering them some flexibility because we want to see a unified proposal,” she added.
Leavitt said Trump has given “very clear red lines” and the US is awaiting Iran’s response.
Caution about Iranian public news
In statements by Iranian state media, the White House called for skepticism.
“I would caution you to take everything they say at face value,” Leavitt said.
“What they say publicly is very different from what they privately admit to the United States and our negotiating team,” she added.
Read also | Trump Says Iran Is ‘Financially Collapsing’, Links Crisis to Hormuz Blockade
