The administration of US President Donald Trump has continued its ceasefire arrangement with Iran, while maintaining strict economic and maritime measures against Tehran. Officials said there is no fixed deadline for ongoing negotiations.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the approach as a balance between restraint and pressure.
“There’s a ceasefire with the military and kinetic strikes, but Operation Economic Fury continues, and the effective and successful naval blockade continues as well,” she told reporters.
Leavitt stressed that the pause in military action does not signal a softer stance.
“We are completely strangling their economy through this blockade,” she said, adding that Iran is losing significant revenue due to restrictions on oil movement.
The administration has avoided committing to a timeline for talks.
“The President has not set a firm deadline,” she said, noting that decisions will depend on what Donald Trump considers in the best interest of the United States.
Karoline Leavitt also pointed to divisions within Iran’s leadership. She described ‘a battle between the pragmatists and the hardliners’, suggesting this is complicating negotiations.
Leavitt further added that Washington is waiting for a clearer and more unified response from Tehran.
According to the White House, differences between Iran’s public statements and private communications have added further uncertainty.
“What they say publicly is much different from what they concede to the United States privately,” Leavitt said.
US officials confirmed that direct contacts between the two sides have taken place. Questions, however, remain over who holds final authority within Iran’s decision-making structure.
Karoline Leavitt argued that Washington retains a strong negotiating position.
“The cards are in Donald Trump’s hands right now,” and described Iran as being in a weakened state,” she said.
Separately, the administration said it is monitoring developments involving Spirit Airlines. It follows reports of a potential financial rescue but did not offer further details.
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