Karoline Leavitt denies US sought Iran ceasefire extension: 'Not true at this moment'

WASHINGTON, DC: Following the collapse of peace talks between the United States and Iran amid a two-week ceasefire, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on Wednesday, April 15, that the US has not requested an extension, as it anticipates a second round of negotiations.

The development came after reports claimed the US was seeking an extension of the ceasefire, which is set to expire next week.

White House rejects ceasefire extension request reports

Describing the claim as “bad reporting,” the White House dismissed the report as “not true.”

During a press briefing, Leavitt said there is no formal request and that the US has made “its red line negotiations very clear to the other side,” adding that the White House “feels good about the prospect of the deal.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler were also present as she discussed progress on the blockade and talks with Iran.

“Again, bad reporting today,” Leavitt began, continuing, “that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire, that is not true at this moment.” 

White House signals possible second round of Iran talks

She reiterated that the White House remains engaged in peace talks with Iran, with the president and vice president providing updates. “These conversations are productive and ongoing, and that’s where we are now,” she added.

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

“We feel good about the prospects of the deal.”

Leavitt further said meeting the president’s demand would be in Iran’s best interest, as Donald Trump has made the “red lines of negotiations very clear to the other side.”

US-Iran peace talks collapse in Pakistan

Addressing the press on Sunday, April 12, Vice President JD Vance said the United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement after hours of high-stakes negotiations in Pakistan, warning the outcome was “much more” damaging for Tehran than Washington.

Vance confirmed that talks concluded without a breakthrough.

A second round of peace talks is expected soon, as a delegation from Pakistan, acting as a mediator, has arrived in Tehran. Meanwhile, the US-enforced blockade on vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports remains in place, with the White House saying it is now "fully implemented."