Washington DC, March 30 -- The White House on Monday (local time) said that communication between the United States and Iran is ongoing and "going well", even as Tehran has maintained that there have been no "direct" talks between the two sides.

Addressing reporters during a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that despite negative public rhetoric from Iran, engagement through diplomatic channels continues and is making progress.

Leavitt said that public statements from Tehran differ from what is being conveyed privately. "It's no surprise that we are seeing the remaining elements of the regime become increasingly eager to end the destruction and come to the negotiating table while they still can," she said...