Full Breakdown
US-Iran Peace Initiative in Pakistan
4/25/2026, 9:07:43 AM
Core Event: US Envoys Travel to Pakistan
Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are flying to Islamabad Saturday for talks to end US-Israel war with Iran. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi landed Friday, announcing a tour of Pakistan, Oman and Russia. President Trump extended the April-8 cease-fire indefinitely, while US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in force.
Official Statements & Responses
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said envoys will engage in “direct talks, intermediated by the Pakistanis” and are optimistic. Defense secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran can earn a “good deal” only by abandoning its nuclear program. Trump stressed there is “no rush” and US retains military options. Iranian spokesman Esmail Baqaei reiterated Tehran will not meet US officials directly.
Criticism & Opposition
Iranian officials condemn the US naval blockade as “taking the global economy hostage” and a cease-fire breach. The blockade has turned back 34 ships, allowing only five vessels through in the past 24 hours, and the war has killed over 5,000 people, including 13 U.S. service members. Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that continued US-Israeli violations make reopening the strait impossible.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
White House says Witkoff and Kushner will hold talks in Islamabad, yet Baqaei says no direct meeting is scheduled and Tehran will channel observations through Pakistan. Araghchi’s X post claims he will not meet US officials, while New York Times reports he will present a written response to a US proposal. Timing of any bilateral session remains unclear.
What’s Next
The envoys will meet Pakistani mediators this weekend; US-Iran session depends on Pakistan’s assessment. Araghchi will continue to Oman and Russia to deliver Tehran’s written response. The US blockade of Hormuz stays in place, with additional naval assets slated to join.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US. Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan.” — Esmail Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson
- “I can confirm special envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in talks, direct talks, intermediated by the Pakistanis, who have been incredible friends and mediators throughout this entire process, with representatives from the Iranian delegation,” — Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary
- “Iran knows that they still have an open window to choose wisely … at the negotiating table. All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways,” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary
- “With respect to the country’s demands, issues such as compensation, the strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions – all these issues are critical to the country’s future.” — Esmail Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson
