Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, envoys for President Donald Trump, are traveling to Pakistan to resume talks with Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi. The White House confirmed the move on Friday, signaling an effort to break a stalemate that has frozen negotiations.
The core of the impasse revolves around control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. Iran insists that the U.S. must lift its blockade of Iranian ports as a prerequisite for a lasting peace deal. Conversely, the U.S. is demanding verifiable assurances from Tehran that it will cease its nuclear program and dismantle its own blockade of the strait.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Witkoff and Kushner would meet with him, indicating the U.S. had been approached by Iran for this in-person discussion. Leavitt expressed optimism for a "productive conversation" that could advance a potential agreement.
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Pakistani Mediation Efforts
Pakistan has been actively pushing to restart the ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Iran. Sources within the Pakistani government suggested that an Iranian delegation arrived in the country Friday evening, with talks expected to focus on relaunching negotiations.
Divergent Accounts on Meeting Schedule
While the White House has indicated a meeting will occur, Iranian state news agency IRNA has reported that no specific meeting has been scheduled. Axios, citing two sources, suggested a potential meeting might take place on Monday, after Witkoff and Kushner engage with Pakistani mediators.
Broader Diplomatic Tour
Araghchi's travel plans, as stated on X, include visits to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia. He described the purpose of these trips as coordinating with partners on bilateral matters and consulting on regional developments, with Iran's neighbors being a priority.
Background to the Stalemate
The talks have been stalled since earlier this week. Discussions held in Geneva in February between Araghchi, Witkoff, and Kushner involved hours of indirect talks. U.S. officials, like Hegseth, have maintained that the naval blockade will persist as long as necessary. President Trump recently announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The current conflict is reportedly entering its ninth week, with limited clarity from Trump's administration on a resolution timeline.
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