- Baqaei clarified that no face-to-face discussions between Iranian and U.S. officials are scheduled
- Baqaei also acknowledged Islamabad’s role in facilitating dialogue
The administration of Donald Trump is dispatching senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan in a renewed effort to revive stalled ceasefire discussions with Iran.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the planned engagement, expected on Saturday, comes amid heightened global concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and deepened economic uncertainty worldwide.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Islamabad late Friday, stating earlier that his visit would focus on bilateral ties and broader regional developments, without detailing specific meetings.
However, Tehran has ruled out direct talks with Washington during the visit. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmael Baqaei clarified that no face-to-face discussions between Iranian and U.S. officials are scheduled, indicating that Pakistani authorities will instead act as intermediaries between both sides.
Baqaei also acknowledged Islamabad’s role in facilitating dialogue, describing its mediation efforts as part of ongoing attempts to de-escalate tensions.
Despite this, the White House expressed cautious optimism. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the envoys’ mission is to engage indirectly with Iranian representatives and explore possible pathways toward an agreement.
She noted that while Vice President JD Vance will not attend the talks, he remains actively involved, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other members of the national security team, who are prepared to travel if necessary.
Previous indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, held in Geneva earlier this year, ended without a breakthrough.
Shortly after, hostilities escalated into a broader conflict involving both the United States and Israel.
Officials in Islamabad have since intensified efforts to restart dialogue, hoping to bridge the gap between both sides and push forward renewed ceasefire discussions.
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