The U.S.-Iran talks-Pakistan effort is set to intensify as U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner prepare to travel to Islamabad for discussions with Iran’s foreign minister.
The planned visit comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Pakistan’s capital, positioning Islamabad as a key venue for renewed diplomatic engagement.
Senior U.S. officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Pakistan to engage with Iran’s foreign minister in a potential restart of negotiations. Pakistan is acting as a mediator, while Washington keeps additional officials on standby if talks show progress.
US Delegation Prepares for Islamabad Visit
According to Reuters, Witkoff and Kushner will lead the initial U.S. presence in the US Iran talks Pakistan initiative.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the two officials will travel first and report back to President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Vice President Vance is not scheduled to attend immediately but remains prepared to join if negotiations advance. This phased approach suggests Washington is testing the diplomatic ground before committing senior leadership to the process.
BREAKING: Karoline Leavitt confirms Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will head back to Pakistan tomorrow for peace talks with Iran.@AmericaRpts @johnrobertsFox pic.twitter.com/npLePI513c
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 24, 2026
Pakistan Emerges as Key Diplomatic Channel
Islamabad’s role reflects its growing position as a neutral venue for sensitive negotiations.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA confirmed that Araghchi is beginning a regional tour that includes Pakistan, Oman and Russia.
The Iranian foreign ministry said the visit aims to discuss ongoing regional developments and to propose reviving talks with the United States. Officials also referenced the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, highlighting the urgency behind renewed dialogue.
The US-Iran talks-Pakistan effort carries significant geopolitical weight, particularly amid ongoing tensions across the Middle East.
Read: Abbas Araghchi to Arrive in Islamabad as Iran-US Talks Enter New Phase
For Washington, the talks offer a chance to de-escalate the conflict and re-engage diplomatically. For Tehran, they provide an opportunity to address ongoing disputes while maintaining regional influence.
The decision to send envoys first, rather than top leadership, indicates both sides are proceeding carefully. Observers say this approach allows room for negotiation without immediate political risk if talks fail.