White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the next round of negotiations with Iran tied to ceasefire discussions is expected in the Pakistani capital, Anadolu reports.
“They would very likely be in the same place as they were last time,” Leavitt told reporters.
“The Pakistanis have been incredible mediators throughout this process, and we really appreciate their friendship and their efforts to bring this deal to a close. So, they are the only mediator in this negotiation. While there have been many countries around the world who want to offer their help, the president (Donald Trump) feels it’s important to continue to streamline this communication through the Pakistanis, and so that’s what continues to take place,” she added.
Leavitt pushed back on media reports suggesting the US formally requested an extension of the ceasefire, calling the claims 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, we remain very much engaged in these negotiations,” she added.
READ: Pakistan army chief in Tehran for talks with Iranian foreign minister ahead of expected fresh US talks
She emphasized that discussions remain active and ongoing, pointing to recent comments from Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who have both described the talks as “productive and ongoing.”
The US and Iran held direct talks in Pakistan last weekend, but the negotiations ended without an agreement. The talks followed a two-week ceasefire announced earlier this month.
Trump later announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which took effect at 1400GMT Monday.
Leavitt said the blockade has been “fully” implemented and is being enforced against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports.
She said US forces are supporting the “freedom of navigation” for vessels that are transiting the waterway to and from non-Iranian ports.
The movements come as shipping through the strait remains highly disrupted after the Washington blockade targeting vessels calling at Iranian ports following the failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad.
READ: Vance likely to lead potential 2nd round of talks with Iran: Report
