Washington, 21 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said the United States was closer than ever to reaching an agreement with Iran, despite uncertainty over whether another round of talks will take place.

"The United States of America tonight have never been so close to making a truly good deal, unlike the horrific deal signed by Barack Hussein Obama, than we are right now," Leavitt told Fox News, referring to the 2015 nuclear agreement later scrapped by President Donald Trump.

Leavitt said the United States was nearing a deal, but added that Trump had several options if no agreement was reached and would not hesitate to use them. She said the president had previously shown he follows through on his words.

A ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday, according to Trump. If no deal is reached, he said he would order strikes on the energy sector and civilian infrastructure.

It remains unclear whether a second round of negotiations will take place before the ceasefire expires.

Photo: MIA archive