White House denies US sought truce extension, says new talks may happen in Pakistan
The White House on Wednesday clarified that the United States has not formally sought an extension of the ongoing ceasefire with Iran, even as diplomatic engagements between the two sides continue.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed media reports suggesting otherwise. "Bad reporting this morning that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment," she said during a press briefing.
"We remain very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks. You heard from the Vice President and the President this week that these conversations are productive and ongoing, and that's where we are right now," she added.
Leavitt said the administration remains cautiously optimistic. "We feel good about the prospects of a deal. The President mentioned that in his interview yesterday," she said, noting that Iran has been made aware of Washington’s position.
"It is in the best interest of Iran to meet the President's demands. I think he's made his red lines in these negotiations very clear to the other side," she said.
Responding to a question on the venue of the upcoming talks, Leavitt said the discussions would "very likely" take place at the same location as the previous round. "They would very likely be in the same place as they were last time," Leavitt said during a press briefing.
"They (Pakistan) are the only mediator in this negotiation, while there have been many countries around the world that want to offer their help," she added.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington is closely monitoring financial flows linked to Iran and warned Chinese banks of potential action.
"I do not have an update on the tariffs, but I do have an update on sanctions. Iran is, or used to be, the largest state sponsor of terrorism. China was purchasing more than 90% of their oil, which is about 8% of China's energy needs. We believe that with this blockade in the straits, there will be a pause in Chinese buying," Bessent said.
"I am not going to identify the banks, but we told them that if we can prove that Iranian money is flowing through your accounts, then we are willing to impose secondary sanctions," he added.
This comes amid the fragile two-week ceasefire and rising tensions, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran in a last-ditch effort to revive stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Munir, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The visit follows the collapse of the "Islamabad Talks," which failed to produce a breakthrough after marathon discussions.
Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its role, saying he expressed "gratitude for Pakistan’s gracious hosting of dialogue," adding that it "reflects our deep and great bilateral relationship." "Our commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region remains strong and shared," he added.
Diplomatic sources indicated the Pakistani delegation carried a fresh message from Washington outlining a possible framework for a second round of high-level talks.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump also signalled that while a ceasefire extension may not be necessary, a negotiated settlement remains the preferred outcome. "I think you're going to be watching an amazing two days ahead. I really do," Trump said in an interview with ABC News.
Direct talks held on April 11–12 between Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials lasted 21 hours but ended without agreement, largely over key "red line" issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear programme.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed media reports suggesting otherwise. "Bad reporting this morning that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment," she said during a press briefing.
"We remain very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks. You heard from the Vice President and the President this week that these conversations are productive and ongoing, and that's where we are right now," she added.
Leavitt said the administration remains cautiously optimistic. "We feel good about the prospects of a deal. The President mentioned that in his interview yesterday," she said, noting that Iran has been made aware of Washington’s position.
"It is in the best interest of Iran to meet the President's demands. I think he's made his red lines in these negotiations very clear to the other side," she said.
Responding to a question on the venue of the upcoming talks, Leavitt said the discussions would "very likely" take place at the same location as the previous round. "They would very likely be in the same place as they were last time," Leavitt said during a press briefing.
"They (Pakistan) are the only mediator in this negotiation, while there have been many countries around the world that want to offer their help," she added.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington is closely monitoring financial flows linked to Iran and warned Chinese banks of potential action.
"I do not have an update on the tariffs, but I do have an update on sanctions. Iran is, or used to be, the largest state sponsor of terrorism. China was purchasing more than 90% of their oil, which is about 8% of China's energy needs. We believe that with this blockade in the straits, there will be a pause in Chinese buying," Bessent said.
"I am not going to identify the banks, but we told them that if we can prove that Iranian money is flowing through your accounts, then we are willing to impose secondary sanctions," he added.
This comes amid the fragile two-week ceasefire and rising tensions, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran in a last-ditch effort to revive stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Munir, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The visit follows the collapse of the "Islamabad Talks," which failed to produce a breakthrough after marathon discussions.
Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its role, saying he expressed "gratitude for Pakistan’s gracious hosting of dialogue," adding that it "reflects our deep and great bilateral relationship." "Our commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region remains strong and shared," he added.
Diplomatic sources indicated the Pakistani delegation carried a fresh message from Washington outlining a possible framework for a second round of high-level talks.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump also signalled that while a ceasefire extension may not be necessary, a negotiated settlement remains the preferred outcome. "I think you're going to be watching an amazing two days ahead. I really do," Trump said in an interview with ABC News.
Direct talks held on April 11–12 between Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials lasted 21 hours but ended without agreement, largely over key "red line" issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear programme.
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