WASHINGTON, Apr 16 — Reports that the White House has requested a ceasefire in the Iran war are incorrect, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters yesterday, adding that discussions on a second round of talks with Iran are ongoing and productive.
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Leavitt said any fresh talks would likely take place in Pakistan again, as it has emerged as the “only mediator” in efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran.
“These conversations are productive and ongoing, and that’s where we are right now. 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, but we feel good about the prospects of a deal,” she said.
Talks held last weekend broke down without an agreement to end the war, which President Donald Trump began alongside Israel on February 28, triggering Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbours and reigniting a conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The war has led Iran to effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for global crude and gas shipments — to ships other than its own, sharply reducing exports from the Gulf, particularly to Asia and Europe, and leaving energy importers scrambling for alternative supplies.
