By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The White House has confirmed that negotiations with Iran continues despite reports of a rejection from Tehran. 

U.S. officials described the talks as “productive,” denying that diplomacy had reached a dead end as the conflict nears its fourth week.

The U.S. has reportedly proposed a 15-point plan demanding Iran dismantle its ballistic missiles and renounce its nuclear program.

While the White House noted some inaccuracies in media reports, they acknowledged that key elements of the proposal are factual.

Uncertainty remains regarding Iran’s leadership following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. While his successor remains out of public view, reports suggest the U.S. may be negotiating with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf instead.

The White House warned it will “unleash hell” if Iran fails to reach a deal. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump is prepared to hit Iran harder than ever if they do not recognize their military defeat.

Thousands of U.S. troops and marines are moving to the Gulf, sparking fears of a ground invasion to seize oil assets or the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has warned that such a move could involve the seizure of its strategic islands.

The U.S. expects military operations to conclude within a four-to-six-week window. Confident in this timeline, President Trump has already rescheduled his mid-May visit to China, signaling an expectation that the conflict will soon subside.