'No' on ceasefire: White House rejects demand for ceasefire extension, new discussions may take place in Pakistan

News Topical, Digital Desk : The US White House clarified on Wednesday that the United States has not yet made any formal request to extend the ongoing ceasefire with Iran. However, diplomatic talks between the two countries are continuing. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt dismissed media reports, saying, "This morning, some media reported that we have formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. This is not correct at this time."

He further said in the press briefing, "We are fully engaged in these talks and negotiations. From what the Vice President and the President have said this week, it is clear that these discussions are productive and ongoing. We are here." Levitt said that the US administration is cautiously optimistic about the prospects of a deal. He said that President Donald Trump also mentioned this in an interview yesterday. Washington's position has been clearly conveyed to Iran.

The press secretary stressed, "It is in Iran's best interest to comply with the president's demands. Trump has made his red lines very clear in these talks." When asked about the location of the upcoming talks, Levitt said that discussions "very likely" would take place at the same location as the previous round. He also said that Pakistan is the sole mediator in this negotiation, while many countries around the world are offering assistance.

Monitoring and warning of sanctions

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said Washington was monitoring financial transactions linked to Iran. He warned Chinese banks that secondary sanctions could be imposed if Iranian money was found to be passing through their accounts.

Bessant said that Iran was previously the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. China was buying more than 90% of Iranian oil. He said that the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would hinder China's purchases.

Pakistan's mediation efforts

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran. He is meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. This visit is seen as a last-ditch effort to revive a second round of talks after the failure of the "Islamabad Talks."

The Iranian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to Pakistan and said that Pakistan's mediation reflects the deep relations between the two countries.

The developments come amid a fragile two-week ceasefire. On April 11-12, 21 hours of direct talks between Vice President J.D. Vance and Iranian officials ended without agreement. The main dispute was over Iran's nuclear program.

President Trump had also said that there may not be a need to extend the ceasefire, but resolving the issue through talks is a better option.

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