Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: The White House has confirmed that a US delegation will depart for Pakistan on Saturday to advance ceasefire negotiations with Iran, signaling renewed diplomatic efforts amid ongoing regional tensions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an interview that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad to continue discussions with Iranian officials.
Leavitt noted that US Vice President JD Vance will not participate in the upcoming round of talks, as Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is also not expected to attend. However, she emphasized that Vance remains actively involved in the diplomatic process and is coordinating closely with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials from Washington.
According to Leavitt, recent days have seen “positive developments,” with Iran indicating readiness for direct engagement. She added that US officials remain prepared to travel if required at a later stage.
The spokesperson also described the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon as a significant diplomatic achievement, expressing hope that future progress could lead to high-level engagements at the White House.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad as part of the ongoing diplomatic process, with further visits planned to Muscat and Moscow following the talks.
The upcoming negotiations in Islamabad are being closely watched as a potential step toward easing tensions in the Middle East and advancing broader regional stability.
