Witkoff and Kushner to head to Pakistan for Iran talks, White House says

The White House confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan to engage in direct talks with Iranian representatives. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Pakistan has played an “incredible” mediating role throughout the process. Vice President JD Vance will remain in the United States, but Leavitt added that “everyone will be on standby to fly to Pakistan if necessary.”

Pakistan’s mediation efforts

The announcement comes as Pakistan continues to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran following the first round of direct talks held in Islamabad on April 11-12. Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8, which has since been extended indefinitely by President Trump. The diplomatic push aims to end hostilities that began on February 28.

Second round of talks anticipated

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday for meetings with Pakistan’s leadership, potentially paving the way for a second round of negotiations. The White House confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner will depart for Pakistan on Saturday morning. Vance remains “deeply involved” in the process but will stay in the US unless his presence becomes necessary.