White House: Next Iran talks ‘very likely’ in Islamabad

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the next round of negotiations with Iran is expected to take place in the Pakistani capital. “They would very likely be in the same place as they were last time,” Leavitt told reporters. She praised Pakistan as an “incredible mediator” and said President Trump believes it is important to continue streamlining communication through the Pakistanis.

No Ceasefire Extension Request

Leavitt pushed back on media reports suggesting the US had 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 said. She emphasised that discussions remain active and ongoing, citing recent comments from Trump and Vice President Vance describing the talks as “productive and ongoing.”

Blockade Implemented

The US and Iran held direct talks in Islamabad last weekend, but the negotiations ended without an agreement. Trump later announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which took effect on 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 freedom of navigation for vessels transiting to and from non‑Iranian ports. Shipping through the strait remains highly disrupted.