From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 30, 2026
White House: Talks with Iran ‘going well’ despite Iranian rhetoric
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
WASHINGTON — The White House insists that talks with Iran are ongoing and proceeding positively, despite statements to the contrary from Tehran.
Reiterating US military gains against Iran that include the damaging of 70% of missile, drone and naval production facilities, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says, “It’s no surprise that we are seeing the remaining elements of the regime become increasingly eager to end the destruction and come to the negotiating table while they still can.”
“Despite all of the public posturing you hear from the regime and false reporting, talks are continuing, and going well,” Leavitt claims.
“What is said publicly is much different than what he communicated to us privately,” she adds.
While the US has framed the talks as direct negotiations, two Arab officials familiar with the mediation efforts have told The Times of Israel that engagement has been limited to the passing of messages through third-party countries.
The US has pointed to Iran’s allowing of a number of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a demonstration of its seriousness, though Arab officials familiar with the mediation efforts have told The Times of Israel that Iran is unlikely to agree to American demands that it was refusing to accept before the war.
The Times of Israel Community.