Leavitt: Trump discussed Iran’s proposal for three-stage talks

Washington has reviewed Tehran’s proposal to hold three-stage negotiations, the White House confirmed.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the initiative had been discussed but stopped short of indicating any decision by the US leadership.

“The proposal was being discussed. I don't want to get ahead of the president or his national security team,” she said.

According to Leavitt, it would be premature to suggest that US President Donald Trump and his advisers are actively considering entering into talks with Iran.

“I would just say that there was a discussion this morning that I don't want to get ahead of, and you'll hear directly from the president, I'm sure, on this topic very soon,” she added.

The comments come after reports that Tehran has conveyed, via intermediaries, a structured three-stage proposal for talks. According to Al Mayadeen, the first stage would focus exclusively on ending hostilities and securing guarantees that military action against Iran and Lebanon would not resume. Iranian sources cited by the outlet stressed that no other issues would be addressed at this stage.

The second stage would reportedly cover discussions on the governance of the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Oman, while nuclear-related issues would only be addressed in the final phase. Tehran has insisted that its nuclear programme cannot be discussed before progress is made on the earlier stages.