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The White House has confirmed that the next round of US-Iranpeace talks will take place in Islamabad, with Pakistan continuing as the sole mediator in the negotiations.
Speaking at a press briefing on April 15, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the upcoming talks would be held “in the same place as they were last time.”
She underscored Pakistan’s central role in the process, stating, “I would just want to make one point that’s important to the President. The Pakistanis have been incredible mediators throughout this process, and we really appreciate their friendship and their efforts to bring this deal to a close,” adding, “So they are the only mediator in this negotiation.”
Leavitt noted that while several countries have expressed interest in facilitating the discussions, the administration prefers to maintain a streamlined channel through Pakistan.
She added that the White House has not formally sought an extension of the current ceasefire. “That is not true at this moment. We remain very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks. You heard from the Vice President directly and the President this week that these conversations are productive and ongoing, and that’s where we are right now,” she said.
Addressing the possibility of in-person meetings, Leavitt said discussions are ongoing but no decisions have been finalized. “Those discussions are being had, but nothing is official until you hear it from us here at the White House,” she added.
The briefing also focused on domestic economic issues, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler joining Leavitt to mark Tax Day and highlight the administration’s tax policies.
Leavitt said the administration’s tax cuts for working families have returned a “historic amount” of money to taxpayers. She pointed to data showing that more than 53 million filers have claimed at least one of the new tax provisions, with the average refund exceeding $3,400 this filing season.
“The Trump administration has issued more refunds and larger refunds than in any year of the history of our country,” she said, adding that the administration believes Americans are better positioned than the government to manage their finances. She also criticized congressional Democrats for opposing the tax measures, arguing that their position would have led to higher taxes for households.
Leavitt further announced that, as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations, the administration plans to propose the construction of a “Triumphal Arch” in Washington, D.C., as a tribute to the nation’s history.
Bessent described the current tax season as “fantastic,” noting that the filing process has been efficient and beneficial for taxpayers. He said that more than 45 percent of filed returns included at least one of the administration’s signature tax provisions, including exemptions on tips and overtime and deductions for seniors and auto loan interest on American-made vehicles.
He also highlighted participation in newly introduced “Trump accounts,” stating that over 5 million families have opened such accounts for their children, with 1.2 million qualifying for a $1,000 seed bonus. Bessent added that the Treasury Department is using Financial Literacy Month to promote responsible investment practices among Americans.
Loeffler emphasized the impact of the tax measures on small businesses, describing them as a key driver of economic growth. “As Administrator of the US Small Business Administration, it is my great honor to serve our great President as the cabinet level voice for America’s 36 million small businesses,” she said, noting that small businesses account for the majority of new job creation and a significant share of economic activity.
She added that the tax cuts have provided relief to small businesses and their employees, enabling expansion and hiring. Loeffler also criticized Democratic lawmakers for opposing the legislation, while asserting that the measures have helped businesses recover from inflation and regulatory pressures.
Overall, the briefing highlighted both ongoing diplomatic efforts abroad and the administration’s focus on domestic economic policy, particularly tax relief and small business support.
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