White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday addressed the conflicting narratives regarding diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran. Speaking during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., Leavitt directly refuted public denials from Tehran that any negotiations were currently taking place.
"I think the American people are smart enough not to take the word of a terrorist regime that has chanted death to America for 47 years at their word," Leavitt stated. The Press Secretary urged journalists to remain skeptical of the Iranian regime's statements, citing a five-decade history of alleged misinformation regarding American values and global interests.
This briefing follows recent comments from President Donald Trump, who spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One regarding the progress of back-channel diplomatic efforts. President Trump has indicated that negotiations are actively underway and that Iranian officials have agreed to several key components of a U.S.-proposed framework.
Reports suggest this framework involves a 15-point plan delivered via intermediaries, with diplomatic sources suggesting Pakistan may be acting as a primary facilitator. Leavitt confirmed that the current dialogue is seeing some movement, noting that the feedback from Iranian representatives has become "more reasonable" in recent days.
"They have agreed to some of the points the United States laid out," Leavitt said, though she declined to specify which specific demands had been accepted. Despite confirming the existence of the talks, the White House maintained a firm stance of confidentiality regarding the participants and specific terms of the deal.
Leavitt echoed the President’s earlier statements, asserting that the administration would not "broadcast" the details of private and sensitive conversations to the world. The diplomatic tension occurs against the backdrop of a military conflict that began in late February 2026 with U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Iran responded with attacks on Gulf states, leading to a period of heightened regional instability and warnings of further escalation from the White House. While the U.S. maintains that talks are productive, officials have signaled that military pressure will continue if a comprehensive diplomatic deal is not reached.