White House Sends Witkoff, Kushner to Pakistan for Iran Talks

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that "the Iranians want to talk in person," adding that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad to "hear the Iranians out," expressing hope that the engagement would lead to positive developments.

She also said that the US Vice President remains on standby for a possible visit if required.

"...The president has decided to dispatch Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner back to Islamabad. The Iranians want to talk. They want to talk in person... Steve and Jared will be heading to Pakistan tomorrow to hear the Iranians out. We hope progress will be made and we hope that positive developments will come from this meeting...The Vice President is on standby and will be willing to dispatch to Pakistan if we feel it's a necessary use of his time," Leavitt said.

"We've certainly seen some progress from the Iranian side in the last couple of days," she further said.

The move signals a renewed attempt at diplomacy between Washington and Tehran. According to a CNN report, Iran has not yet confirmed whether it will meet with the US team.

The discussions, if they occur, are expected to also focus on broader regional stability, at a time when there is a trust deficit between the two countries despite the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that he would embark on a three-country tour to hold consultations on the regional developments and bilateral ties.

In a post on X, Araghchi said that he would visit Russia, Oman and Pakistan.

Araghchi said, "Embarking on timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments. Our neighbors are our priority."

- ANI