Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad, ruling out direct talks with the US. US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are expected to visit Islamabad this weekend. Israel and Lebanon have extended the ceasefire by three weeks, according to US President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration is sending Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to explore potential diplomatic openings with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi through a backchannel. Iran has not yet confirmed participation in direct talks, and the US is not under pressure to rush toward a ceasefire. The immediate prospects of negotiations remain unclear.
US President Trump is sending Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, aiming to revive diplomatic efforts. Pakistan is actively working to facilitate a second round of talks between Iran and the US following a recent ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. These developments occur amid ongoing tensions since the outbreak of war, with a focus on reaching a broader agreement to end hostilities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan to discuss a potential second round of talks with the US, aiming to end the ongoing eight-week war. Pakistan is mediating between Iran and the US, following a recent extension of the ceasefire by US President Donald Trump. US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will also travel to Pakistan to participate in the negotiations.
President Trump issued an order to ‘shoot and kill’ small Iranian boats deploying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting the existing ceasefire. He demands that Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz as a condition for resuming negotiations, raising concerns about escalating tensions. Israel also signaled a willingness to renew the war against Iran, further exacerbating the security situation in the Middle East.
The White House is sending Kushner and Witkoff to Pakistan to hold talks with Iranian representatives, facilitated by Pakistan. This follows Trump's urging for Tehran to engage and a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. The goal is to move towards a renewed agreement after the first round of direct talks.
Iran's Foreign Minister is scheduled to visit Islamabad for informal talks. US President Trump is exerting strong economic and military pressure on Iran, and tensions persist between Israel and Hezbollah regarding the ceasefire framework. Israel warned that Hezbollah is attempting to disrupt the peace negotiations.
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended for three weeks, announced by U.S. President Trump following talks with Israeli and Lebanese envoys. This extension provides more time for diplomacy towards a peace deal between the two countries, easing a key obstacle to U.S.-Iran negotiations. The ongoing Strait of Hormuz blockade continues to fuel tensions and is considered the world’s biggest energy security threat by the IEA.