White House: Iran has not rejected US proposal — talks 'productive,' diplomatic engagement ongoing

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters on March 25 and directly denied that Iran had rejected the US ceasefire proposal. Asked about Iran's multiple public statements dismissing negotiations — including FM Baghaei's 'no trust no deal,' military spokesperson Zolfaqari's 'not now not ever,' and IRGC statements denying formal talks — Leavitt said: 'They have not… talks continue, they are productive as the president said on Monday and they continue to be.' She added that 'talks are ongoing,' reinforcing Washington's stance. The discrepancy between Iran's public rhetoric and US diplomatic reporting suggests either: (1) the US is continuing to characterize back-channel communications as negotiations while Iran denies that framing; (2) Iran's public rejections are deliberately contradicted by private engagement; or (3) the US is overstating progress for domestic and market reassurance purposes. A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that Pakistan passed the proposal and venue discussions are ongoing — consistent with Leavitt's position. Iran's 'concrete guarantee' demand and Hormuz sovereignty claim are conditions, not a flat rejection of the framework.