KATHMANDU: US envoys are heading to Islamabad in a renewed push to revive stalled negotiations with Iran, though uncertainty persists over whether direct talks will take place.
The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an “in-person conversation” with Iranian representatives. However, Iranian state media indicated that direct negotiations were unlikely.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in the Pakistani capital on Friday, officially to discuss regional peace efforts with Pakistani officials.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran had requested the meeting following calls from President Donald Trump, expressing hope the talks would help move toward a deal.
Despite the diplomatic push, Iran has signaled it may avoid direct engagement, instead using Islamabad as an intermediary to convey its proposals.
The talks come amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Although Trump recently announced a three-week ceasefire extension in Lebanon, violence has persisted, with Israeli strikes reportedly killing six people in the south.
Efforts to reach a broader peace agreement remain complex, particularly as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to rattle global energy markets. Iran has restricted traffic through the key shipping route, prompting international concern.
European Council President Antonio Costa stressed that reopening the strait is “vital” for global stability.
Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military presence in the region, deploying additional naval assets, including the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.
In Lebanon, political tensions remain high. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said efforts were underway toward a historic peace deal, while Hezbollah officials warned against direct negotiations with Israel.
On the ground, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, with families in southern Lebanon struggling to recover in the aftermath of recent airstrikes.
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