White House Denies Seeking Iran Cease-Fire Extension; Iranian Outlet Says Tehran Rejected US Request

The White House said June 15 that talks with Iran on ending the war are progressing productively and that it has not formally requested an extension of the cease-fire.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that earlier reports claiming the administration had officially sought a cease-fire extension that morning were incorrect. She said the US remains deeply committed to negotiations and talks, adding that the discussions have been productive and are continuing.

The US and Iran agreed to a two-week cease-fire on June 7. The two sides then held more than 20 hours of first-round talks in Islamabad on June 11, but failed to reach a deal. The cease-fire is due to expire on June 21. Major international media outlets had earlier reported that the two sides were considering a two-week extension to buy more time for negotiations on a permanent end to the war.

Tasnim News Agency, an Iranian semi-official outlet, reported that despite a US request for a two-week cease-fire extension, Iran had not agreed to it so far. It added that Iran believes the US should fulfill its obligations under the current cease-fire and stop making excessive demands in the negotiations.

While the two sides have offered conflicting accounts, there may have been behind-the-scenes discussions about extending the cease-fire. Those contacts, however, may not have risen to the level of a formal request.

Leavitt also addressed reports about a possible face-to-face meeting, saying such discussions are underway but nothing has been finalized until there is an official announcement. She added that the White House remains positive about the prospects for an agreement and said it would clearly be in Iran's best interest to accept President Donald Trump's demands.

Asked about the location of the next in-person talks, Leavitt said they would most likely be held in the same place as the previous round, Islamabad, Pakistan. Tasnim also reported that while some European countries had expressed interest in hosting talks between Iran and the US, Islamabad remained the planned venue if negotiations continue and no decision had been made to change it.

Leavitt said Pakistan is the only mediator in the current negotiations and thanked the country for its friendship and efforts to help make the talks happen. While many countries around the world have been assisting, Trump believes it is important to keep communications streamlined through Pakistan, and that remains the current approach.

Lee Sang-eun, Washington correspondent, Hankyung, selee@hankyung.com