In brief
In an effort to ease tensions with Iran, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan for potential diplomatic discussions. This follows a turbulent period marked by military engagements and sanctions, as both parties seek a way to negotiate terms. The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, plans to engage with Pakistani officials without scheduling a direct meeting with the US delegation, underscoring the complexity of current geopolitical dynamics.
Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and the US president's son-in-law Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan for peace talks with Iran on Saturday morning, the White House has said. 'The Iranians want to talk,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, adding that US Vice-President JD Vance was 'on standby' to travel if the talks proved successful.Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei mentioned that he and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had arrived in Islamabad early on Saturday, where Araghchi would be meeting with 'Pakistani high-level officials.' However, he noted that 'no meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US,' with Iran's observations to be conveyed through Pakistan.The US aims to leverage these discussions to deescalate conflicts intensified by recent military engagements and economic sanctions, particularly affecting oil shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth remarked that Tehran could make a 'good deal' by abandoning attempts to develop nuclear weapons.As these diplomatic efforts unfold, both nations express cautious optimism about finding a path forward, despite the significant challenges posed by previous military actions and ongoing rhetoric.
