White House says no talks underway with Iran
Washington maintains economic pressure on Tehran while President Donald Trump keeps military and diplomatic options open
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — The United States and Iran are not currently engaged in negotiations to end their ongoing conflict, with the White House saying Washington will continue applying economic pressure on Tehran.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump would maintain pressure on Iran until its leadership demonstrates a willingness to enter what Washington considers meaningful negotiations.
Leavitt said the administration’s primary objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, adding that the US has pursued both military operations and an intensified economic campaign against Tehran.
She referred to the military campaign as “Operation Epic Fury” and the economic pressure effort as “Operation Economic Outcast,” saying Washington intends to continue using economic measures to weaken Iran.
“No negotiations are happening right now,” Leavitt said in an interview with Fox News, adding that President Donald Trump continues to retain “all options” while the US naval blockade remains in place.
The comments came as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned countries earlier this week against maintaining financial ties with Iran, threatening secondary sanctions as Washington seeks to isolate Tehran economically.
However, the Treasury Department did not immediately impose the threatened penalties, leaving uncertainty over how extensively the latest pressure campaign will be enforced.
Meanwhile, Qatar has been attempting to revive diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran. Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Tehran on Thursday and held talks with Iranian officials as part of efforts to reduce tensions.
Qatar has previously acted as a communication channel between the US and Iran and played a role in efforts that produced a temporary ceasefire earlier in the conflict.
The latest diplomatic efforts come as fighting has largely paused but major disagreements remain between Washington and Tehran, including disputes over sanctions, Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House’s latest position suggests that, despite mediation efforts by Qatar and other regional actors, Washington is not prepared to resume formal negotiations with Tehran unless the Trump administration believes Iran is ready to make significant concessions.
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