US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are slated to travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for potential peace talks concerning Iran. This trip comes after Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, was also scheduled to head to the Pakistani capital on Friday.
The White House confirmed the travel plans for Witkoff and Kushner, who are stated to be special envoys connected to Donald Trump. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the visit was prompted by the Iranians reaching out, as requested by the President, to facilitate direct dialogue.
Meanwhile, the article notes that US Vice President JD Vance returned to U.S. soil following an initial round of talks but is now reportedly sidelined from any second round of negotiations. Leavitt stated that Vance would essentially be on “standby,” explaining that the President was sending Witkoff and Kushner to listen to what Iran has to say.
Separately, the US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, echoed President Trump’s sentiment that the US is not “anxious” about reaching an agreement. Hegseth asserted that the US has achieved a “decisive military result in just weeks” and suggested that Tehran should make “a good deal, a wise deal” while it can.
Adding to the complex international situation, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to reports suggesting the US might consider punishing NATO allies for their lack of support for President Trump’s campaign regarding Iran. The reports mentioned that Spain, being vocal against the war in Iran, could be suspended from the defense alliance.
Furthermore, the US could reportedly withdraw support for the ongoing British control of the Falkland Islands, a territory claimed by Argentina, a country favorable to Mr. Trump. A Number 10 spokesman asserted that the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands “rests with the UK.”
Regarding the peace talks themselves, Mr. Araghchi is reportedly carrying a written response to US demands, which focuses on Iran not possessing a nuclear weapon and opening the Strait of Hormuz.