US sends diplomatic envoys to Pakistan in bid for Iran negotiations

US Envoy Arrives in Pakistan as Iranian FM Araghchi Visits Islamabad

US President Donald Trump has sent envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in the country. The visit comes amid hopes of new talks on ending the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Araghchi’s arrival was confirmed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that the US envoys would meet with the Iranian foreign minister to discuss potential negotiations. However, it remains unclear whether Araghchi has agreed to hold talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi is currently on a “timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow” to coordinate on bilateral matters. The visit was initially reported by Iran’s top diplomat, who made no mention of any intention to meet with US negotiators.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran has the opportunity to make a good deal, emphasizing the importance of abandoning its nuclear program. Trump expressed optimism over a potential deal, saying that Iran is making an offer aimed at satisfying US demands.

However, two Pakistani government sources reported that Araghchi’s visit would be brief, focusing on Iran’s proposals for talks with the US. A senior official was quoted as saying that there would not be any US-Iran talks in Pakistan.

Reports from Tehran indicate that a “senior official” made it clear that there would not be any new round of talks between the US and Iran. The Iranian parliament’s media office denied reports of Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, resigning as head of its delegation at previous talks.

US Vice President JD Vance participated in a previous round of talks but will not travel to Pakistan on this occasion. White House officials stated that Trump decided to send Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan “to hear the Iranians out”.

Source: Al Jazeera