US Resumes Iran Talks in Islamabad With Witkoff and Kushner Leading Delegation

Mintesinot Niggusie

The United States is set to resume negotiations with Iran in Pakistan this weekend, with talks in Islamabad led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, marking a shift in the US negotiating team for the latest round of diplomacy aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

The White House said the discussions will proceed without Vice President JD Vance, who led earlier negotiations this month, but will remain on standby in Washington in case of progress requiring his involvement.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Friday that Witkoff and Kushner would travel to Pakistan to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, expressing cautious optimism about the outcome.

“We’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward to a deal,” she said.

The latest round of talks follows more than 20 hours of discussions held earlier this month in Islamabad, as both sides seek a framework to end a nearly eight-week conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces.

Officials said President Donald Trump has dispatched his Middle East envoys to continue negotiations, with the aim of establishing a basis for a potential ceasefire arrangement and longer-term settlement.

Araghchi is also expected to hold separate discussions with Omani officials on possible arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route that has been central to wider regional tensions.

Iran has reportedly linked its willingness to re-engage in formal talks to the lifting of US restrictions on Iranian ports, while Washington has demanded verifiable commitments from Tehran to halt its nuclear programme and ease restrictions affecting maritime access.

The White House said senior US officials, including the president and vice president, will remain in Washington to monitor developments as diplomatic efforts continue.