White House denies seeking Iran ceasefire extension, says negotiations continuing with possible Islamabad talks

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied reports Wednesday that the US formally requested a ceasefire extension with Iran, stating negotiations remain active and promising. Leavitt expressed optimism about reaching a deal and indicated future talks could occur in Islamabad, Pakistan, where mediators previously convened.

This development matters to Nigerians as US-Iran relations influence global oil markets and regional stability—key factors affecting Nigeria's economy and security environment. With Nigeria reliant on oil exports and facing Sahelian security challenges, shifts in Middle East diplomacy can impact fuel prices, investment flows, and refugee patterns.

How might sustained US-Iran diplomatic engagement affect Nigeria's oil revenue projections and regional counter-terrorism cooperation strategies over the next quarter?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/16/war-us-never-requested-ceasefire-extension-white-house/