No Formal Ceasefire Extension Requested Yet: White House

COLOMBO (News 1st); The White House pushed back against reports suggesting that the United States has formally requested an extension of the current Iran ceasefire, clarifying that no such request has been made at this stage, even as negotiations continue behind the scenes.

Addressing reporters, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said recent media coverage claiming a formal ceasefire extension request had been submitted was inaccurate.

“I saw some reporting again, bad reporting this morning, that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment,” Leavitt said.

She emphasized that the United States remains “very much engaged” in ongoing negotiations with Iran, describing the discussions as productive and continuing. Leavitt noted that both Vice President and President had publicly reiterated earlier this week that talks are progressing.

“These conversations are productive and ongoing, and that’s where we are right now,” she said.

Leavitt also addressed reports suggesting the possibility of in-person discussions between the parties. While confirming that such discussions are being considered, she stressed that no arrangements have been finalized.

“I’ve also seen some reporting about the potentiality for in-person discussions. Again, those discussions are being had, but nothing is official until you hear it from us here at the White House,” she said.

Despite the lack of formal announcements, Leavitt signaled optimism about the path forward, echoing remarks made by the president in an interview the previous day.

“We feel good about the prospects of a deal,” she said, adding that it is “obviously in the best interest of Iran” to meet the president’s demands.

According to Leavitt, the president has made his red lines in the negotiations “very clear” to the other side, and the administration is continuing to closely monitor how the discussions develop.

When pressed on the potential location for the next round of talks, including whether they could take place in Islamabad, Leavitt indicated that any future meeting would likely be held in the same location as the previous round.

She also took the opportunity to underscore the role Pakistan has played in facilitating the negotiations, describing the country as a key and exclusive mediator in the process.

“The Pakistanis have been incredible mediators throughout this process,” Leavitt said. “We really appreciate their friendship and their efforts to bring this deal to a close.”

Leavitt made clear that Pakistan remains the sole mediator in the negotiations, despite interest from other countries to assist.

“They are the only mediator in this negotiation,” she said, adding that while many nations have offered their help, the president believes it is important to streamline communication through Pakistan to maintain momentum.

“And so that’s what continues to take place,” Leavitt said.