Donald Trump sends top envoys for Iran talks via Pakistan channel
The White House is sending special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to Pakistan to engage with representatives of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an effort to explore possible diplomatic openings, CNN reported on Friday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the development in an interview with Fox News, saying, “Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in talks with representatives from the Iranian delegation.”
However, Iranian officials have not yet confirmed whether they will participate in direct meetings with the US delegation.
JD Vance kept on standby as backup option
US Vice President JD Vance is reportedly on standby to travel to Islamabad if the negotiations show meaningful progress, though he is not currently scheduled to join the delegation.
Earlier plans for a broader US delegation visit, including Vance, were postponed, with the White House confirming the trip “will not be happening today (Tuesday).”
Iran signals regional diplomatic tour
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said he is undertaking a “timely tour” covering Pakistan, Oman and Russia, focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments.
Separately, Araghchi held discussions with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on regional security, the ongoing ceasefire efforts, and broader diplomatic engagement involving the US.
US signals openness, but no urgency
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still had an opportunity to reach what he called a “good deal, a wise deal,” adding that Washington was not under pressure to rush toward a ceasefire agreement.
“We have all the time in the world,” he said, stressing that the US is not seeking a quick or forced settlement.
Uncertain diplomatic track ahead
While backchannel discussions appear to be intensifying through Pakistan as an intermediary, Iran has not confirmed participation in direct talks, leaving the immediate prospects of negotiations unclear.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
