WASHINGTON -- The White House intends to request the release of US citizens detained in Iran as part of upcoming negotiations aimed at ending the US-Israeli war with Iran, The Washington Post reported on Friday.

The negotiations are set to begin in Pakistan on Saturday, the report further said, citing sources briefed on the plans.

It remains unclear how US negotiators will pressure Iran to release the detained Americans, according to the sources cited. Some have expressed concern that if the negotiations face challenges, the request may be delayed.

It is believed there are at least six US citizens in Iranian custody, according to the report.

The White House declined to comment. "These are ongoing discussions and the United States will not negotiate through the press," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told the newspaper.

The US negotiation team is led by Vice President JD Vance, along with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.