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White House Dismisses Reports of US-Iran Talks in Pakistan as Speculative

The White House has labeled reports of a planned meeting between US and Iranian officials in Islamabad as speculative, refusing to confirm any details. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that sensitive diplomatic discussions would not be negotiated through the press and that only formal announcements should be considered final. The reports, citing unnamed Israeli officials, suggest mediating countries are attempting to arrange a meeting as soon as this week. Meanwhile, a US official expressed confidence in the Trump administration's approach to Iran amid fluctuating oil prices.

Key Points: White House Calls US-Iran Meeting Reports "Speculative"

  • White House dismisses meeting reports as speculative
  • Mediating countries may convene US-Iran talks in Islamabad
  • Trump administration expresses confidence in dealing with Iran
  • Oil prices fell amid geopolitical tensions
2 min read

Iran-US officials meeting reports in Pakistan 'speculative': White House

White House Press Secretary says reports of US-Iran officials meeting in Pakistan are speculative and not final until formally announced.

"These are sensitive diplomatic discussions, and the US will not negotiate through the press. - Karoline Leavitt"

Washington DC, March 24

US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said nothing concrete could be said as of now over the reports claiming that US Vice President JD Vance, US Special Presidential Envoy for Peace Missions, Steve Witkoff and Businessman and former Senior Advisor to the President of the United States, Jared Kushner, will meet with Iranian officials in Islamabad.

In response to an ANI query, Leavitt said that it should not be deemed as final until it is formally announced by the White House.

Leavitt responded, "These are sensitive diplomatic discussions, and the US will not negotiate through the press. This is a fluid situation, and speculation about meetings should not be deemed as final until they are formally announced by the White House."

The Times of Israel reported about an unnamed Israeli official who said that mediating countries are trying to convene a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, between the US and Iran -- possibly as soon as later this week.

Meanwhile, US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says he has "tremendous confidence" in the engagement Trump claims to have had with Iran.

"President Trump is going to resolve it, and I'm very confident that as dealmaker-in-chief, he's going to come out of this with a winning deal for Americans," he said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

When asked to explain how the Strait of Hormuz's effective closure has affected the administration's thinking in relation to oil supply chains, Burgum claimed Trump "knew this on day one," as reported by Al Jazeera.

"We've been completely aware of this thing," he said, as per Al Jazeera.

The price for a barrel of Brent crude fell 10.9 per cent to settle at USD 99.94, down from nearly USD 120 at one point last week. The S&P 500 climbed 1.1 per cent for its best day since the war began, as per Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The oil price drop is a relief for us here in India. Any de-escalation between US and Iran is good for global stability and our energy imports. Hope the talks, if they happen, are productive. 🤞
A
Aman W
"Dealmaker-in-chief"? The confidence seems a bit over the top. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz affects the whole world, not just America. We need pragmatic solutions, not just boasts.
S
Sarah B
Sensitive diplomacy shouldn't be played out in the media. The Press Secretary's point is valid. Leaks and speculation only make finding common ground harder for all parties involved.
V
Vikram M
From an Indian perspective, stability in the Middle East is crucial. A major conflict there sends shockwaves through our economy. Hoping for peaceful dialogue, wherever it's held.
K
Kriti O
Interesting choice of location. Islamabad is... a choice. Let's see if this is just posturing or if there's real intent to talk. The proof will be in the pudding, as they say.

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