Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff Trump's special Middle East representative and Jared Kushner are travelling to Islamabad for fresh US-Iran peace negotiations, as the White House seeks to capitalise on the indefinite ceasefire extension. Pakistan continues as the neutral host, but Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has clarified that no direct meetings with the American delegation are planned, stating he will engage only with Pakistani officials to discuss regional de-escalation and the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The talks aim to forge a unified proposal from Tehran to address US demands on nuclear limits and maritime security.
The Islamabad summit builds on Pakistan's successful mediation, which prompted Trump's truce extension at the personal request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. Witkoff, a real estate magnate with Trump ties, and Kushner, architect of the Abraham Accords, represent Washington's blend of deal making and Middle East expertise. Araghchi's insistence on indirect engagement reflects Tehran's wariness amid the ongoing US naval blockade, which has seized Iranian vessels and disrupted shipping. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed hosting both sides separately, with hopes of bridging gaps through shuttle diplomacy.
With no direct US-Iran contact confirmed, the Islamabad talks test whether Pakistan can coax a viable unified proposal from Tehran to ease the blockade and advance nuclear talks. Success could stabilise Hormuz shipping and avert escalation; failure risks ceasefire fatigue and renewed hostilities. Trump's envoy duo signals high stakes, but Iran's indirect approach underscores persistent mistrust in this pivotal diplomatic gambit.
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