Senior U.S. officials are set to travel to Pakistan for a new round of face-to-face discussions with Iranian representatives, signaling a possible reopening of diplomatic channels after days of stalled negotiations.
According to the White House, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will depart for Islamabad on Saturday to engage directly with Iranian officials.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the meeting follows outreach from Iran, which requested in-person dialogue after earlier indirect engagements.
Renewed Push for Diplomacy
The upcoming talks represent a shift after earlier negotiations appeared to lose momentum.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously called for direct communication, and the latest development suggests both sides may be willing to explore a diplomatic path forward.
Leavitt expressed cautious optimism, noting that the U.S. delegation will assess Iran’s position and report back to leadership in Washington.
Vice President to Remain in Washington
Vice President JD Vance, who led the initial round of discussions in Pakistan earlier this month, will not attend the upcoming meeting.
Instead, he will remain in the United States alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other national security officials to monitor developments.
Officials indicated that additional members of the administration could travel to Pakistan if progress is made during the talks.
Iran Signals Regional Engagement
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed he is undertaking a regional tour that includes stops in Pakistan, Oman, and Russia.
The visit is expected to focus on both bilateral coordination and broader geopolitical developments.
The discussions in Islamabad are expected to be facilitated by Pakistani officials, acting as intermediaries between the two sides.
Background: Tensions and Delays
The first round of negotiations, held nearly two weeks ago in Islamabad, ended without a breakthrough.
A planned follow-up meeting earlier this week was postponed after Iranian representatives reportedly declined to attend.
A major sticking point has been the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.
Tensions in the area have escalated following Iranian threats and a U.S. naval response, which has disrupted shipping activity.
These developments have placed additional strain on a ceasefire agreement announced on April 7.
Ceasefire Extension and Military Position
Despite rising tensions, President Trump recently extended the ceasefire beyond its initial deadline.
The administration had initially projected a short conflict timeline but has since adjusted expectations.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the operation’s progress, emphasizing that its primary objective remains preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
He contrasted the current campaign with past U.S. military engagements, describing it as more focused and time-bound.
Outlook
While uncertainty remains, the decision to resume direct talks suggests a potential opening for diplomacy.
The outcome of the Islamabad meeting could determine whether both sides move closer to a negotiated agreement or face renewed escalation in an already volatile situation.
