The White House on Wednesday denied that Washington had requested an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, while affirming that talks between the two sides are “productive and ongoing” and that Pakistan is the “sole mediator” in these talks.
White House spokeswoman Carolyn Leavitt said in a press briefing, “I have seen some inaccurate press reports this morning that claimed we have formally requested an extension of the ceasefire, and this is not true at this time.”
Leavitt confirmed that the US blockade of Iranian ports is “fully enforced.” She added that it “is currently being enforced on vessels of all countries entering or leaving Iranian ports, including all Iranian ports on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.”
She continued, “Our US forces in the region are also working to support freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports,” which she affirmed will continue to pressure Iran to demonstrate “sufficient seriousness” in the talks with the United States.
In contrast, the White House spokesperson expressed “optimism about the prospects of reaching an agreement,” adding that “it is clear that meeting the demands set out by the President (Donald Trump) is in Iran’s best interest.”
She affirmed, “We remain very closely engaged in these negotiations and these talks.”
She noted that “the talks are productive and ongoing… and it is very likely that the (next) talks will be held in the same place as the previous ones,” referring to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
She stated that Pakistan has played “an exceptional mediating role throughout this process,” emphasizing that “they (Pakistani officials) are the sole mediator in these negotiations.”
She highlighted that “although many countries around the world have expressed their willingness to help, the President (Trump) believes it is important to continue streamlining communication channels and directing them through Pakistani media.
— KUNA
