The White House has confirmed that US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday to participate in a second round of diplomatic talks involving Iran, as Washington intensifies efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the delegation will engage in direct and intermediary discussions facilitated by Pakistani officials, who have been described as key mediators in ongoing US-Iran dialogue. She added that additional US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, remain on standby for possible deployment to Islamabad if required.
According to the statement, the Iranian side has shown signs of willingness to continue diplomatic engagement following recent communications. The White House emphasized that US President Donald Trump continues to prioritize diplomacy as the first option in resolving the ongoing Middle East crisis.
The announcement coincides with the expected arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral consultations and discuss regional developments. Iranian state media confirmed that Araghchi will also visit Oman and Russia as part of a broader diplomatic tour.
Pakistan has emerged as a central hub for backchannel negotiations between the US and Iran, hosting multiple rounds of talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire and broader regional stability. Officials say a US logistics and security team is already present in Islamabad ahead of the expected negotiations.
The diplomatic process follows earlier rounds of talks held in Islamabad earlier this month, which ended without a formal agreement but were described as constructive. Despite delays caused by geopolitical tensions, both sides continue to express cautious optimism about progress.
The situation remains sensitive, with issues such as maritime access and regional security still under discussion. Pakistan’s foreign office has reiterated its commitment to facilitating dialogue and supporting peaceful resolution of disputes.
