No talks with Iran at present, says White House

According to an international news agency, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News in an interview that no talks are currently taking place between the two countries. She said this would remain the case until United States President Donald Trump felt that Iran was ready to come to the table seriously for meaningful negotiations.

According to Karoline Leavitt, President Trump’s first priority is that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. She said that after military action against Iran, the United States had now focused on increasing economic pressure. However, she said, all options, including military action, were still open to President Trump.

The White House statement comes as Qatar is actively working to restore a diplomatic channel between the United States and Iran. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Tehran on Thursday and met senior officials, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Qatar’s efforts aim to reduce tension in the region and create a favourable atmosphere for fresh talks between the United States and Iran. Qatar has earlier played a mediating role between the two countries.

The talks between Qatari and Iranian officials also discussed a plan to set up a temporary joint maritime corridor to restore safe shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and to clear mines from the waterway.

Meanwhile, the United States has increased economic pressure on Iran along with military pressure. United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week warned various countries to end financial ties with Iran. He indicated that secondary sanctions would follow if sanctions were violated.

Iranian officials strongly criticised the United States sanctions and called them a complete economic war against Iran. Iran’s position is that, despite United States pressure, it will not give up its national interests.

Iran and Oman are also holding talks on a temporary maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz and on how to clear mines. However, no final agreement has yet been reached on the terms for fully reopening the strait.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States Navy has cleared mines from the main shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman are still continuing.