U.S. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for a second round of indirect peace talks with Iran, as Tehran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi remained in the Pakistani capital after earlier direct negotiations collapsed.
The White House confirmed the trip Friday, saying Witkoff and Kushner were sent “to go hear” what Iranian officials had to say, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt adding that Iran had requested the talks. Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday, but his spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei denied any direct meeting with the U.S. Delegation was planned, stating instead that “Iran’s observations would be conveyed to Pakistan” via X.
The timing coincided with renewed violence along the Israel-Lebanon border, where Israeli strikes hit Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon the same day President Trump announced a three-week extension of that ceasefire — a move Hezbollah rejected as it was not party to the agreement. Tehran insists the Lebanon ceasefire must hold as a precondition for further U.S.-Iran dialogue, even as Trump unilaterally extended the U.S.-Iran ceasefire hours before its expiration without setting a new end date.
Iran dismissed that extension as “meaningless,” citing the ongoing U.S. Naval blockade of its ports as a violation of the truce. Iranian officials say they will not return to negotiations until the blockade is lifted, a demand Washington rejects unless Tehran agrees to unspecified conditions tied to its nuclear and regional activities.
Strait of Hormuz traffic remains paralyzed, with Iran having seized two commercial vessels near the chokepoint while the U.S. Navy redirects over thirty ships attempting to approach Iranian waters. Despite degraded military capabilities from prolonged conflict, analysts estimate Iran retains 40% of its pre-war drone arsenal and 60% of its missile launcher capacity — sufficient, according to the New York Times, to disrupt global energy markets if deployed.
For more on this story, see Trump Warns of New Iran Strikes if Pakistan Peace Talks Fail.
Internal Iranian divisions complicate prospects for compromise. The regime lacks a single decisive leader, operating instead through competing coalitions where the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps often overrides civilian diplomats. Past talks have been disrupted by attacks, fostering deep skepticism among hardliners who view negotiations as a trap.
Meanwhile, unrelated diplomatic friction emerged over the 2026 World Cup, where U.S. Special envoy for global partnerships Paolo Zampolli suggested to President Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran should Tehran withdraw from the tournament. Zampolli told the Financial Times the idea was justified by Italy’s four titles, then called it his “dream” for Italian-Italian Americans in an AP interview. Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi rejected it outright: “first of all, it’s not possible. Secondly, it’s not a good idea.” Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio said he would feel “offended,” insisting teams must earn their place.
This follows our earlier report, US-Iran Talks in Pakistan Face Uncertainty Amid Ceasefire Tensions.
FIFA confirmed Iran’s group-stage matches in California and Washington State will proceed as scheduled in June, noting Tehran has not withdrawn and remains preparing to compete despite the regional war.
Why is Iran refusing to talk directly with the U.S. Delegation in Pakistan?
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has denied plans for direct talks, stating his observations will be conveyed to Pakistan instead, reflecting Tehran’s condition that direct engagement requires lifting the U.S. Naval blockade first.
What are the risks if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed?
Prolonged disruption could trigger global energy price spikes, as Iran retains significant missile and drone capacity despite degradation, enabling it to threaten shipping even without full military restoration.
Did Italy agree to replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup?
No. Italian officials firmly rejected a U.S. Suggestion that Italy take Iran’s place, insisting qualification must be earned and calling the idea offensive and impractical.
