Karoline Leavitt shuts down reports of Iran ceasefire extension

WorldPolitics
16 Apr 2026 • 2:07 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Karoline Leavitt shuts down reports of Iran ceasefire extension

  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has poured cold water on reports that the White House ⁠has requested a ceasefire extension in the war with Iran.
  • “That is not true at this moment,” she said at a Wednesday news briefing. “We remain very much engaged in these talks.”
  • She added that the peace talks are “productive” and “ongoing” but said no date has been set for a second round of in-person talks.
  • Earlier Wednesday, Trump proclaimed that he is “permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz” and that Chinese president Xi Jinping will give him a “big, fat hug” when they meet.
  • “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also - And the World. This situation will never happen again,” the US president wrote in a post on Truth Social.

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