India, April 16 -- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that the US has formally sought a ceasefire extension, stressing that negotiations remain "productive and ongoing," and said the next round of US-Iran talks will very likely be held in Pakistan again, underscoring its role as the sole mediator.

"Bad reporting this morning that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment. We remain very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks," Leavitt said.

"You heard from the Vice President and the President this week that these conversations are productive and ongoing, and that's where we are right now...We feel good about the prospects of a deal. The President mentioned that ...