From the Liveblog of
Friday, April 24, 2026
US has ‘certainly seen some progress’ from Iran in recent days — White House
The United States has “certainly seen some progress from the Iranian side” in recent days and hopes more will be made in weekend talks, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt tells reporters.
Leavitt reiterates that Vice President JD Vance is willing to go to Pakistan “if we feel it’s a necessary use of his time.”
She also says US President Donald Trump decided to send his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner “to hear the Iranians out.” Leavitt doesn’t offer any details about what US officials are hearing.
“The Iranians want to talk. They want to talk in person,” Leavitt says, stressing Trump is “always willing to give diplomacy a chance.”
She also comments on Trump’s announcement yesterday that the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire is being extended, which she calls “another win for the world” while saying that the US is “so very grateful to both Israel and Lebanon for choosing to work together and continuing these conversations.”
“And we hope that there will be a day where we welcome the leaders of both countries,” she adds.
The Times of Israel Community.