White House Declines to Set Deadline for Iran Nuclear Talks

Press Secretary says Tehran expected to present more details on negotiating position in coming weeks

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The White House on Wednesday declined to set a deadline for the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, stating that Iran is expected to provide more details on its negotiating position within the next few weeks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the remarks during a press briefing at the White House.

Why it matters

The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in on-and-off negotiations over Iran's nuclear program for years, with both sides seeking to reach a new agreement after the previous deal was abandoned. The White House's decision not to set a firm deadline signals a continued willingness to work towards a diplomatic solution, despite the challenges that have plagued the talks.

The details

During the press briefing, Leavitt told reporters that the administration is focused on the substance of the negotiations rather than arbitrary timelines. She stated that Iran is expected to provide more details on its negotiating position in the coming weeks, which will help inform the U.S. approach going forward.

  • The White House press briefing took place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary.

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What they’re saying

“The White House on Wednesday declined to set a deadline for the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, saying Tehran is expected to present more details on its negotiating position within weeks.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (Xinhua)

The takeaway

The White House's decision not to set a firm deadline for the Iran nuclear talks signals a continued commitment to diplomacy, even as the negotiations have faced challenges over the years. The administration's focus on the substance of the talks rather than arbitrary timelines suggests a pragmatic approach aimed at reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.