White House says talks ‘ongoing’ as Iran state media hits out at ‘extravagant’ US demands

The White House says high-level in-person trilateral talks with Iran and Pakistan are “ongoing” in Islamabad, with negotiations aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.

A senior White House official says in a brief statement that the talks are continuing, after Iranian state media reports two rounds took place and a third was expected.

“According to information provided to the state TV correspondent by a person close to the negotiating team, another round of negotiations will likely be held tonight or tomorrow,” Iranian state broadcaster IRIB says.

An Iranian state TV reporter in Islamabad, meanwhile, claims last efforts are being made to close gaps in the talks while accusing the US of continuing with its “extravagant” demands, as Iran’s Tasnim news agency says the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the main points of serious disagreement and that the Islamic Republic is insisting on preserving military gains.