Washington: The White House has clarified that the United States and Iran are not currently engaged in direct negotiations to end the war or reach a new agreement.

According to an international news agency, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this during an interview with Fox News. She said no talks are taking place at present and that the situation would remain unchanged until US President Donald Trump believes Iran is genuinely prepared to come to the table for meaningful negotiations.

Leavitt said President Donald Trump’s top priority is to ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. She added that after carrying out military action against Iran, the United States is now focusing on increasing economic pressure, while all options, including further military action, remain available to the president.

The White House statement came as Qatar has stepped up diplomatic efforts to help restore communication between Washington and Tehran. Doha is seeking to reduce tensions in the region and create conditions conducive to renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Tehran on Thursday and held meetings with senior Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Qatar’s diplomatic efforts are aimed at easing regional tensions and creating a favourable environment for the United States and Iran to resume negotiations. However, the latest White House statement indicates that Washington is currently prioritising pressure on Tehran rather than direct talks.