Trump sending Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan to resume talks on Iran war

President Trump is sending Middle East envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to resume peace talks aimed at ending an eight-week war with Iran. The negotiations, taking place in Islamabad, will involve meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Araghchi is seeking a permanent US-Israeli commitment to cease attacks on Iran, a key demand. While Vice President JD Vance is not traveling, he remains on standby. Iran has previously stated it would not restart talks until the US lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, while the US demands verifiable assurances on Iran's nuclear program and a lifting of Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is reportedly considering options for its enriched uranium stockpile in exchange for sanctions relief.

US negotiators, according to President Trump, will travel to Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday for a second round of talks with Iranian negotiators aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran. The previous talks, led by Vice President Vance, concluded without an agreement. Trump accused Iran of violating the existing ceasefire, set to expire Wednesday, by opening fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. He threatened severe repercussions, including the destruction of Iranian infrastructure, if Iran doesn't accept the US deal. Iran has not confirmed participation in the new talks, citing a US naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire and an "unlawful and criminal" act.

In April 2026, Pakistan is mediating negotiations between the United States and Iran to end the US-Israel war with Iran. Optimism increased after statements from US President Trump and shuttle diplomacy by Pakistani leaders. Pakistan's army chief visited Tehran to convey messages from Washington, while Prime Minister Sharif briefed leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye. These actions prepared for another round of direct talks between the US and Iran. A ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran has been holding since April 8, and a truce between Lebanon and Israel has further boosted hopes for a peace agreement. Iran views the truce as part of a broader understanding with Washington reached during talks mediated by Pakistan.

Donald Trump stated that the US is likely to resume bombing Iran as the 14-day ceasefire deadline approaches without a deal. He accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and indicated a readiness for military action, while also suggesting that negotiations are still possible with talks planned in Islamabad. Trump defended past military actions, claiming the obliteration of Iranian nuclear sites, while Iran insists it will not negotiate under threats and will respond decisively to renewed hostilities. The situation has created instability in global energy markets, with warnings of a potential crisis.

US Vice-President JD Vance is expected to lead a US delegation to Pakistan on Tuesday if Iran agrees to further talks. The delegation will include Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The deadline for the current ceasefire looms, with Iran's president expressing concerns about "unconstructive and contradictory signals" from American officials. Iran's parliamentary speaker has stated that the country will not accept negotiations under threat. Meanwhile, the UN's humanitarian agency head Tom Fletcher warned of the devastating impact of the war on developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and east Africa, where food and fuel inflation is reaching close to 20%. The conflict has also been linked to human rights abuses, including gendered violence and sexual assault against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

With a ceasefire deadline looming, intense efforts are underway to bring the US and Iran together for talks in Pakistan. Donald Trump stated he's prepared to renew attacks if progress isn't made, while Iran insists it won't negotiate under threat and is preparing to respond. Disagreements exist over the ceasefire's exact expiration and the nature of negotiations. A previous round of talks in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway closed by Iran, exacerbating a global energy crisis. The US has increased pressure through port blockades and vessel seizures, escalating tensions further.

The United States and Iran both issued warnings on Monday that they were prepared for war amid uncertainty surrounding ceasefire talks. The US stated Vice-President J.D. Vance was ready to return to Islamabad, Pakistan, for a second round of negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, Iran has not confirmed its participation, accusing the US of violating the existing truce through its blockade of Iranian ports and seizure of a ship. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran will not negotiate under threats and has been preparing for renewed hostilities. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have also threatened to target vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission.

Pakistan is mediating discussions between the United States and Iran to end their seven-week war, with a fragile ceasefire nearing expiration. While a first round of talks occurred in Islamabad on April 12th, no date has been set for a second meeting. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry confirmed ongoing discussions but emphasized the need for confidentiality. Nuclear issues are a key subject of negotiation. Simultaneously, Pakistani leadership is engaged in extensive regional diplomacy, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif touring Jeddah, Doha, and Antalya, and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir visiting Tehran, in an effort to keep the negotiation process alive. These efforts are framed by the Pakistani government as the "Islamabad Process," highlighting their ongoing diplomatic role.

According to Donald Trump, US-Iran peace talks could potentially resume in Islamabad within the next two days. Trump indicated this possibility to a reporter in Islamabad, praising Pakistan's army chief for facilitating the talks. Pakistan is reportedly working to arrange negotiations before the current ceasefire expires on April 22nd. While a Pakistani official anticipates the talks will restart soon, it may take slightly longer than Trump's suggested timeframe. Separately, Israel and Lebanon recently held direct negotiations in Washington regarding their conflict, marking their first talks in over three decades. Meanwhile, House Democrats have proposed a commission, led by JD Vance, to evaluate Donald Trump's fitness for office under the 25th amendment.

President Trump hinted that talks to resolve the Iran conflict could resume this week after previous negotiations stalled, leading to a US port blockade. Trump suggested renewed engagement might occur in Islamabad. The US military confirmed the blockade's enforcement, raising concerns about the viability of an upcoming ceasefire. UN Secretary General Guterres expressed optimism about the potential for resumed talks. Reports indicate that negotiating teams from Washington and Tehran may return to Pakistan this week, though no specific date has been set. News of potential diplomatic progress helped stabilize oil markets.

On day 46 of the US-Iran conflict in April 2026, a US blockade of Iranian ports is in effect, prompting accusations of "piracy" and protests in Tehran. Despite the blockade, President Trump suggests a deal with Iran is still possible. Diplomatic efforts to revive US-Iran talks are intensifying, with Pakistan offering to host negotiations. Russia has withdrawn nuclear staff from Iran's power plant. Qatar is urging mediation, and the UK wants Lebanon included in ceasefire talks. The UN warns of growing shipping disruptions and global economic fragility due to instability in the Strait of Hormuz, with approximately 20,000 vessels stranded.

Under the Trump administration's blockade of Iranian ports, a U.S. destroyer interdicted two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran on Tuesday. The tankers had departed from Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman before being contacted by the U.S. warship. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that six vessels complied with orders to return to an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. military is enforcing the blockade against all nations' vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. According to CENTCOM, the blockade aims to halt Iran's maritime trade, which supports a significant portion of the country's economy.

On day 44 of the US-Iran conflict, talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at ending the war, concluded without an agreement. The 21-hour negotiations, intended to solidify a fragile ceasefire, failed due to disagreements, with both sides blaming each other. The conflict, ongoing for over six weeks, has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran, and has significantly impacted global oil and gas prices. While the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, expressed disappointment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Islamabad would continue to facilitate future peace talks. Despite skepticism among Iranian residents, there remains hope for a resolution to the conflict, which has claimed over 2,000 Iranian lives.

U.S. negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program in Pakistan ended abruptly when Vice President JD Vance's team walked away after nearly a day of talks. Nuclear experts praised the decision, citing Iran's unwillingness to concede on core U.S. demands, specifically Tehran's desire to maintain uranium enrichment capabilities. Experts argue that allowing Iran to continue enriching uranium provides a pathway for them to develop nuclear weapons. The U.S. team's stance aligns with the Trump administration's 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, as they believed it allowed Iran to eventually build a bomb. Experts suggest a good deal would require Iran to dismantle key facilities, permanently ban enrichment, and fully cooperate with IAEA investigations into its nuclear weapons program.

The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that in the first 24 hours of the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, no ships entered or exited Iranian ports, and six merchant ships turned around. This blockade, announced by President Trump after failed US-Iran talks, aims to restrict vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports, while allowing free passage to other ships. CENTCOM stated that 10,000 US personnel, warships, and aircraft are involved in enforcing the blockade. Conflicting reports emerged, with some outlets claiming ships transited the strait after leaving Iranian ports, while Reuters reported vessels transiting but not heading to Iran. Military observers suggest the blockade is sustainable but increases the risk of Iranian attacks and broader escalations, potentially impacting global oil markets.

US-Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, during a two-week ceasefire in their ongoing war, ended without an agreement on April 11, 2026. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf blamed the US for the failure, while US Vice President JD Vance stated the lack of a deal was worse for Iran. The talks, the first high-level direct engagement since 1979, revealed deep divisions regarding Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused a global energy crisis. The US stated that a key sticking point was Iran's refusal to commit to not developing nuclear weapons. The talks, mediated by Pakistan, lasted over 21 hours.

US Vice President JD Vance has been dispatched to Islamabad to negotiate a peace deal with Iran, marking his first major assignment amid ongoing US-Israeli military action. Vance's task is to solidify a ceasefire and negotiate the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran, emboldened by its control of the strait, demands the release of blocked assets as a precondition for negotiations. The success of these talks, the highest-level meeting since 1979, could significantly impact Vance's political future, particularly his potential 2028 presidential run. The negotiations face uncertainty due to recent Israeli strikes and disagreements over Lebanon's inclusion in the ceasefire, setting the stage for potentially difficult and protracted discussions.

Negotiations between the US and Iran are set to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday, aimed at resolving the month-long Middle East conflict under a fragile two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. US Vice-President J.D. Vance is leading the American delegation, while Iran's delegation is headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran has set preconditions for the talks, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen assets. US President Trump has pressured Iran to meet US demands, warning of potential military action if diplomacy fails, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed hope for constructive engagement and a lasting solution to the conflict.

US Vice President JD Vance departed for Pakistan on April 10, 2026, to lead talks aimed at ending the US-Israeli war with Iran. The negotiations, scheduled for the following day in Islamabad, are intended to build on previous indirect talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. Vance stated he expects "positive" results if Iran negotiates in good faith, citing "pretty clear guidelines" from President Trump. Some observers believe Vance's appointment signals Iran's preference for him over other US envoys, such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who will still be in attendance. Vance, while loyal to Trump, is considered less hawkish and representative of the anti-interventionist wing of the MAGA movement.

Donald Trump stated that US forces will remain stationed around Iran until a "REAL AGREEMENT" is fully implemented, threatening military action if Iran fails to meet US demands. This statement casts doubt on a recently brokered ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, which paused weeks of fighting and calmed global markets concerned about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump reiterated demands that Iran abandon nuclear ambitions and ensure safe passage through the shipping lane. Iranian news agencies published a chart suggesting the IRGC had placed sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz during the war, raising further concerns. Scepticism regarding the ceasefire remains high within Iran.

Iran is threatening to end the ceasefire between the U.S. and itself due to the exclusion of Hezbollah from the truce deal. The two-week ceasefire, brokered with Pakistan's help, is intended to pause fighting between Israel and Iran. Iranian officials stated that the U.S. must choose between a ceasefire and continued war via Israel, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Iran's foreign minister and parliamentary speaker have both echoed this sentiment, placing pressure on the U.S. to include Hezbollah in the agreement. Hezbollah had previously violated a U.S.-negotiated ceasefire in November 2024 by entering the war against Israel in March 2025 to aid Iran.

Tensions within NATO have risen due to Donald Trump's criticism of the alliance, sparked by perceived disloyalty and insufficient support in addressing the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz closure. Trump has accused NATO members of inadequate defense spending, escalating fears of a potential US withdrawal. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Trump in Washington to address these concerns, but the meeting reportedly did not go well. Despite Trump's harsh rhetoric on social media, he has not explicitly stated an intention to withdraw the US from the alliance. Rutte has acknowledged European nations' past shortcomings in meeting defense spending targets while emphasizing the importance of the alliance.

Amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, US-Iran ceasefire talks are threatened. The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday, killed at least 300 people and injured over 1,150. Talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday, with US Vice President JD Vance attending. Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that "time is running out" due to Israel's continued actions. The purpose of the talks is to establish a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

A fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict is in jeopardy as of Wednesday, with both sides disagreeing on its terms. Iran and Pakistan claim the agreement includes Lebanon, while Israel denies this and has intensified its attacks there, killing at least 254 people. In response to Israel's actions and U.S. demands regarding uranium enrichment, Iran has halted oil tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing a ceasefire breach. The U.S. denies the closure and insists the strait must reopen, while acknowledging a potential misunderstanding regarding Lebanon's inclusion in the ceasefire. Despite the tensions, the U.S. expresses continued hope for the agreement's success.

On day 41 of the Iran war, Lebanon declared a national day of mourning following Israeli attacks that killed at least 254 people. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is seeking diplomatic intervention to halt the violence. While a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan was believed to include Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Vice President JD Vance stated it does not. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insists the ceasefire covers Lebanon, warning of continued war if attacks persist. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian demands a halt to Israeli attacks in Lebanon as part of Iran's ceasefire conditions. However, a US official stated that Iran's publicly released 10-point ceasefire plan differs from the agreement made with the White House.