White House denies US requested extension in ceasefire, says new talks may happen in Pakistan

WASHINGTON: Reports that the White House has requested a ceasefire in the Iran war are wrong, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told ‌reporters on Wednesday but added that discussions about a second round of talks with the Iranians were ongoing and productive.

Speaking at a White House press briefing, Leavitt said any fresh talks would likely be in Pakistan again as it ⁠has emerged as the “only mediator” in the effort 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,” Leavitt said.

The talks 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 Iran’s Gulf neighbors and reigniting a conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.