U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert on Tuesday denied reports that Washington and Pyongyang were working on a deal to release three American citizens currently detained in North Korea.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Nauert said that a report by South Korean broadcaster MBC suggesting an agreement on their release was in the works was “purely speculation” and that she had no updates on when the three prisoners might return home.

“We would love to have our American citizens brought home – a huge priority for this administration – but as far as we’re concerned there’s nothing underway,” Nauert