Washington, United States. The White House has denied reports that it requested a ceasefire in the war with Iran, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday. She added that discussions on a second round of talks with Iranian representatives were ongoing and productive.
White House briefing and mediation efforts
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Leavitt said any new talks would likely take place in Pakistan again, describing it as the “only mediator” in efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Leavitt said discussions about potential in-person meetings were underway, but stressed that nothing was official until announced by the White House. She said the administration felt positive about the prospects of a deal.
Background to the conflict
Leavitt said talks held last weekend broke down without an agreement to end the war, which President Donald Trump began alongside Israel on February 28. The conflict triggered Iranian attacks on Iran’s Gulf neighbors and reignited fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Energy and shipping impact
The war has led Iran to effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz to ships other than its own, sharply reducing exports from the Gulf, particularly to Asia and Europe. The disruption has left energy importers seeking alternative supplies.
What impact do you expect the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz to have on global energy supplies?