US Israel Iran Ceasefire Latest Update: Vice President JD Vance will lead the US negotiating team in talks that will take place in Islamabad on Saturday morning, the White House announced Wednesday. Vance will be joined by top envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing.
Previous reports had claimed the talks would be on Friday and that Vance may not attend for security reasons. Iran is said to prefer Vance to lead negotiations on behalf of the US, accusing Witkoff and Kushner of misrepresenting Tehran’s positions. Vance is also one of the only administration officials who is reported to have opposed launching the war against Iran.
What Did the White House Say About Iran’s 10-Point Proposal?
Leavitt insisted that Iran only agreed to a ceasefire because it could not tolerate the continued US-Israeli bombing campaign. “As the president said, we have received a proposal from the Iranians that has been determined to be a workable basis on which to negotiate,” she said.
She called out news outlets reporting what Iranian state media said were the contents of the 10-point proposal for a long-term deal with the US, saying the Iranian state media proposal is different from the one Tehran actually sent. Leavitt noted that Iran had sent a 10-point proposal to the US earlier Wednesday that was “fundamentally unserious” and “literally thrown in the garbage by President Trump.”
She didn’t specify whether that was the proposal reported by Iranian media but reiterated that a subsequent offer from Iran on Wednesday is the one the US is taking more seriously. “The president’s red lines, namely, the end of Iranian enrichment in Iran, have not changed,” Leavitt said. The 10-point proposal published by Iranian state media included a recognition of Tehran’s right to enrich.
Is Lebanon Covered by the Ceasefire?
Leavitt publicly confirmed the US position that Lebanon is not covered by Washington’s ceasefire with Iran. “Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire. That has been related to all parties involved in the ceasefire,” she said.
Pakistani mediators and Iran have insisted that Lebanon is covered, while Israel has argued otherwise. Leavitt noted the statement issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressing support for the Iran ceasefire while asserting that Israeli attacks on Hezbollah would continue.
Leavitt said Netanyahu has assured Trump that Israel “will continue to be a helpful partner throughout the course of the next two weeks” of negotiations with Iran.
What Is the Status of the Strait of Hormuz?
The White House claimed that Iranian state media reporting that Tehran has closed off the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Israel’s strikes in Lebanon is false. “This is a case of what they’re saying publicly is different. Privately, we have seen an uptick of traffic in the Strait today,” Leavitt said.
“The president’s expectation and demand that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened immediately, quickly, and safely,” she continued. “It has been relayed to him privately that that’s what’s taking place and these reports are false.”
How Does the White House Defend Trump’s Rhetoric?
The White House defended Trump’s rhetoric threatening to “destroy” Iranian “civilization,” claiming it is what brought Iran to the table. “I understand the questions about the president’s rhetoric, but what the president cares most about is results, and in fact, his very tough rhetoric and his tough negotiating style is what has led to the result that you are all witnessing today,” Leavitt claimed.
Asked whether the world should take Trump seriously given that he has four times pushed off deadlines that were previously said to be final, Leavitt responded: “The world should take his word very seriously… It was the Iranians who backed out, not President Trump.”
FAQs About the US-Iran Negotiations
Q: Who will lead the US negotiating team?
A: Vice President JD Vance will lead the talks in Islamabad on Saturday, joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Q: Does Iran prefer Vance?
A: Yes. Iran reportedly prefers Vance to lead negotiations, accusing Witkoff and Kushner of misrepresenting Tehran’s positions.
Q: Is Lebanon covered by the ceasefire?
A: No. The White House confirmed Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire. Israel says it will continue attacks on Hezbollah.
Q: Is the Strait of Hormuz open?
A: The White House claims it is open and has seen an uptick in traffic, despite Iranian state media reporting otherwise.
Q: What did the White House say about Iran’s 10-point proposal?
A: Leavitt said an earlier Iranian proposal was “literally thrown in the garbage,” but a subsequent offer is being taken seriously.
Q: What are Trump’s red lines?
A: “The end of Iranian enrichment in Iran” remains a key red line, Leavitt said.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
