Story perspectives

Iran Rejects Direct US Talks, Trump Sends Envoy to Pakistan

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Iran's ministry said it will not hold direct talks with the United States in Pakistan-mediated talks.
President Donald Trump sent Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad for indirect talks with Iran's delegation.
Iran’s spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran will convey its observations to the United States through Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, met Pakistani leaders, and will continue a tour to Muscat and Moscow.

History

Historical Context

Since the early 2000s Oman has served as a neutral conduit between Washington and Tehran, with Sultan Qaboos mediating back-channel talks that later enabled the 2015 nuclear agreement. Earlier, Oman’s role helped secure a $7.96 billion escrow in the 1980 Algiers Accords, showing how third-party mediation underpins today’s current indirect negotiations.

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Story summary

Iran's ministry said it will not hold direct talks with the United States in Pakistan-mediated talks.
President Donald Trump sent Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad for indirect talks with Iran's delegation.
Iran’s spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran will convey its observations to the United States through Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, met Pakistani leaders, and will continue a tour to Muscat and Moscow.

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