White House Dismisses Speculation on US-Iran Talks in Pakistan as ‘Not Official Policy’
Washington: The White House has dismissed circulating reports about potential negotiations between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, stating that such claims should not be treated as official policy.
Speaking during a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that a widely shared 15-point plan on social media is based on speculation and does not reflect the US government’s official stance. She emphasized that unless formally announced by the White House, any reports regarding talks in Pakistan remain unconfirmed.
Leavitt noted that the US is “very close” to achieving its core objectives in Iran and described ongoing engagement with Tehran as “positive and productive,” despite Iran rejecting a proposed American peace plan.
Addressing domestic concerns, she said President Donald Trump is working to keep fuel prices as low as possible during the conflict. On the possibility of deploying US ground troops in Iran, she declined to provide specifics but suggested that formal congressional approval may not be required under current circumstances.
Regarding the timeline of the conflict, Leavitt stated that the military operation—referred to as “Operation Epic Fury”—is progressing ahead of schedule and has been described by the administration as highly successful. She added that US forces have targeted thousands of sites, significantly weakening Iran’s offensive and defensive capabilities.
The press secretary also declined to comment on the level of US support for Israeli actions in Lebanon but acknowledged that President Trump is concerned about displaced civilians and aims to counter threats from Iran and allied groups such as Hezbollah.
Reiterating the administration’s position, Leavitt said the US remains open to all options while continuing diplomatic engagement. She concluded that speculation surrounding negotiations in Pakistan should not be interpreted as official policy unless confirmed through formal channels.
