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US President Donald Trump has decided to send a high-level delegation to Pakistan for talks with Iran, according to a report.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are to be included in the negotiating team, CNN reported, citing two American officials who confirmed the development.
US representatives are expected to meet the Iranian foreign minister in Pakistan as part of the diplomatic engagement.
Vance not planning to attend Pakistan talks
According to CNN, United States Vice President JD Vance is not at present planning to attend the talks in Pakistan, officials said.
The decision follows the absence of Iran’s Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who is also not participating.
White House officials regard Ghalibaf as the head of the Iranian delegation and the direct counterpart to the US vice president.
Earlier, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts led to a notable development in regional contacts as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed his visit to the country.
Sources said on Friday that the Iranian foreign minister is likely to arrive in Islamabad later tonight with a small delegation for consultations. Iranian media reported that Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow as part of a broader regional outreach.
In a statement regarding his visit, Araghchi said neighbouring countries remain Iran’s foremost priority. He added that the purpose of the visits is to hold consultations with partners on regional developments.
Meanwhile, an American logistics and security team is already present in Islamabad ahead of the expected second round of Iran–United States talks.
Security in Islamabad and the twin cities has been placed on high alert, with extended red zones sealed again after a brief easing of restrictions.
Reports also indicate that the Iranian delegation will meet Pakistan’s civil and military leadership during the visit.
Earlier, a telephone conversation took place between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. The two discussed the regional situation, ceasefire efforts and ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
The Foreign Office said both sides exchanged views on recent developments, prospects of a ceasefire, and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the context of Iran–United States relations.
Ishaq Dar later briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the exchange, after which the prime minister described the development as a significant diplomatic advance.
He directed that high-level diplomatic contacts be intensified to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table.
Both sides agreed to remain in close contact and monitor the evolving situation.
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