NPR News: 04-15-2026 4PM EDT

The White House insisted Tuesday that the United States has not formally agreed to extend the two-week ceasefire with Iran, even as President Donald Trump signaled in an interview that he believes the war is nearly over. Speaking with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business Network, Trump discussed the conflict in the past tense. Asked directly, “Is this war over?” he replied, “I think it’s close to over, yeah.” Press secretary Caroline Leavitt later batted down the idea that the U.S. had requested an extension of the ceasefire, calling that claim “not true.” She said the administration feels good about the prospects of a deal. The mixed messaging comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares to testify publicly on the conflict, and as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pressed Republican colleagues, saying, “Not a single hearing, not a single discussion. Well, I’m gonna tell my Republican colleagues they’re not gonna be able to escape continuing to vote on this.” So far, only Kentucky GOP Senator Rand Paul has defected to join Democrats who argue the war is too costly and unpopular, though more Republicans are beginning to speak out.