Senior envoys from the administration of Donald Trump are due to travel to Pakistan for discussions with Iranian officials as Washington explores a possible path toward renewed negotiations, the White House said on Friday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner will depart for Islamabad on Saturday morning. The meeting is expected to involve representatives from Iran, with Pakistan acting as a mediator.
Get today's headlines by email 
Leavitt said the administration had seen indications of progress from the Iranian side in recent days but did not provide further details.
“Steve and Jared will be heading to Pakistan tomorrow to hear the Iranians out,” she said during a briefing at the White House. “We hope progress will be made and we hope that positive developments will come from this meeting.”
Possible step toward renewed dialogue
The planned talks follow reports that Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, was expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday. According to Reuters, Araqchi was due to discuss proposals aimed at restarting peace negotiations with the United States.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential intermediary as both sides explore options for returning to diplomatic discussions after earlier efforts stalled.
The visit by Witkoff and Kushner comes as the administration assesses whether recent contacts with Iranian officials could open the door to a broader negotiation process.
Vice president on standby
Leavitt also said JD Vance, who previously led a round of talks with Iranian representatives in Islamabad earlier this month, could travel to Pakistan if discussions begin to show signs of progress.
Those earlier negotiations, led by Vance, did not produce an agreement.
“The president, the vice president, the secretary of state will be waiting here in the United States for updates,” Leavitt said. She added that Vance was prepared to travel if officials determine his presence would help advance the discussions.
Ceasefire extended to allow negotiations
The diplomatic effort comes after Trump extended a temporary ceasefire with Iran earlier this week. The pause in hostilities was prolonged by two weeks shortly before it was due to expire.
Officials said the extension was intended to create additional time for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
The upcoming meeting in Islamabad could provide an opportunity for both sides to outline possible terms for restarting formal talks, though it remains unclear whether the discussions will produce concrete results.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 25 April 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment