White House Sets Direct Talks With Iran as Ceasefire Strains Under Regional Violence

Mintesinot Nigussie

The White House announced that the United States will hold direct negotiations with Iran as part of efforts to stabilise a tentative ceasefire in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Vice President J D Vance will lead the U.S. delegation to Islamabad, Pakistan, for talks beginning on Saturday.

The team will include U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner. The initiative comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that took effect earlier in the week under a truce framework mediated by Pakistan.

Despite the ceasefire, fighting continued in parts of the region, particularly in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes against Iran-aligned Hezbollah have intensified. Another major point of dispute is the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.

U.S. officials have held talks with representatives from China and other international actors in parallel with preparations for the Islamabad negotiations. Negotiators in Pakistan are expected to focus on bridging disagreements over ceasefire interpretation and de-escalation measures.

Businesses in energy, shipping and insurance sectors are closely monitoring the talks, as any successful outcome could ease pressure on global oil prices and trade routes.

Overall, the White House’s decision to engage in direct talks with Iran marks a significant diplomatic step aimed at stabilising the fragile ceasefire and reducing regional violence.

Mintesinot Nigussie