Islamabad, Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday to discuss proposals for restarting peace talks with the United States, amid an eight-week war that has killed thousands and unsettled global markets.
Trump cites potential Iranian offer
U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters on Friday that Iran planned to make an offer aimed at satisfying U.S. demands, but said he did not yet know what the offer entailed.
Asked who the United States was negotiating with, Trump said: “I don’t want to say that, but we’re dealing with the people that are in charge now.”
Iran says it does not plan to meet U.S. representatives
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on X that Iranian officials did not plan to meet with U.S. representatives, even though U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner planned to travel to Islamabad.
The spokesperson said Iran’s concerns would be conveyed to Pakistan.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Iranian statement.
U.S. envoys and vice president cited as possible participants
Speaking before the Iranian foreign ministry’s statement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Witkoff and Kushner would leave for Pakistan on Saturday morning for talks with Araqchi.
Leavitt said the United States had seen some progress from the Iranian side in recent days and hoped more would come over the weekend.
She added that U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who earlier this month led a first round of unsuccessful talks with Iran to end the war, was ready to travel to Pakistan as well.
Impasse after bombing campaign and Strait of Hormuz blockade
After a U.S. bombing campaign and Iran’s blocking of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the two countries remain at an impasse, with Iran’s oil exports blocked and U.S. gasoline prices at multi-year highs.
Security preparations reported in Islamabad
Pakistani sources said a U.S. logistics and security team was already in place in Islamabad for potential talks.
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