US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to kickstart new peace negotiations with Iran, though the two nations remain divided on whether direct meetings will occur.
- US officials claim Iran requested in-person talks, while Iranian state media denies immediate plans for face-to-face meetings.
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a critical global priority to stabilize oil and LNG markets.
- A three-week ceasefire extension in Lebanon faces opposition from Hezbollah and recent Israeli strikes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Witkoff and Kushner are in Pakistan to engage in an “in-person conversation” with Iranian representatives. Leavitt noted that the Iranians reached out for these talks, which she hopes will “move the ball forward towards a deal.”
However, Iranian state television reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has no plans to meet with the US envoys. According to Tehran, Islamabad will instead serve as a bridge to convey Iranian proposals.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday and met with Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, who is a key figure in the mediation efforts. Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed Araghchi’s visit was to discuss regional peace and stability.
Stakes of the peace negotiations with Iran
A primary driver of the urgency is the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil. European Council President Antonio Costa described the immediate, restriction-free reopening of the strait as “vital for the entire world.”
Negotiations have previously hit an impasse due to a US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Iran says must be lifted before it participates. In response, Iran has imposed a de facto blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only limited shipping traffic.
Oil prices saw a decline on Friday as markets reacted to the hope that the fresh round of talks would end the disruptions in the strait.
An Iranian spokesman added that Araghchi will later visit Russia and Oman to discuss ending the war, which began on February 28 when Israel and the United States launched operations against Iran.
Lebanon ceasefire and Hezbollah opposition
Parallel to the talks in Pakistan, US President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon. Trump expressed hope for a three-way meeting between the leaders of Lebanon and Israel.
Mohammed Raad, head of the parliamentary bloc for the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, has urged the Lebanese government to withdraw from direct talks with Israel. Raad warned that such a peace deal would not enjoy national consensus.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of attempting to sabotage a “historic peace” process between Israel and Lebanon.
Despite the ceasefire, the Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed six people on Friday.
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