US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are traveling to Pakistan on Saturday morning for peace talks with Iran, the White House announced. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Iranians want to talk, and Vice President JD Vance is on standby to travel if the talks prove successful.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei confirmed that he and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad early Saturday. Araghchi will meet with high-level Pakistani officials, but no direct US-Iran meeting is planned. Baqaei added that Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Tehran to seize the opportunity for a good deal, emphasizing the need to abandon nuclear weapons in a meaningful and verifiable manner. He also warned that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, is expanding globally. The US and Israel began attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to restrict shipping through the strait.

Leavitt said Trump decided to send Witkoff and Kushner to Islamabad to hear the Iranians out, noting that the president is always willing to give diplomacy a chance. She claimed some progress from the Iranian side in recent days. The ongoing talks underscore a divide between the administration's public statements and behind-the-scenes efforts to wind down the war, suggesting both sides seek a path forward despite mixed messages.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that opening the Strait of Hormuz is not possible due to blatant ceasefire violations by the US and Israel, including a naval blockade that he said takes the global economy hostage. President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated openness to negotiations but cited breach of commitments, blockade, and threats as main obstacles. Trump this week extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely to allow continued negotiations.

Source: www.bbc.com