Pakistani-Brokered US-Iran Talks Target End to Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Tensions

On Saturday, a U.S. team led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad for a Pakistani-mediated meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Tehran declined a face-to-face meeting, saying its stance will be relayed through Pakistan’s officials.

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U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in late February sparked a near-two-month war that has killed thousands and strained the global economy. President Trump announced an indefinite cease-fire, demanding a unified Iranian peace proposal, while the U.S. and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard maintain a de-facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Key actors are U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Pakistani officials mediating. Timeline: late-February airstrikes, early-March escalation, early-April cease-fire extension, Friday Araghchi’s arrival in Islamabad, Saturday talks.

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Thousands have died. The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20 % of world oil; U.S. forces and the IRGC have blocked shipping, with Iranian vessels fired upon and U.S. ships ordered back to port. Brent crude hovered near $105 per barrel before the talks.

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Karoline Leavitt said the Islamabad meeting could move “the ball forward towards a deal.” An Iranian spokesperson said Araghchi would meet only Pakistani officials, framing the talks as mediation to end an “American-imposed war of aggression.” President Trump warned Iran must not enrich uranium and that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened, while insisting he is not under pressure to finalize a deal.

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Iran’s refusal to meet U.S. envoys face-to-face signals distrust of the American agenda and forces reliance on Pakistan as the sole conduit for Tehran’s positions, challenging U.S. expectations of direct dialogue.

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U.S. officials have not disclosed details of Iran’s anticipated peace proposal, and Reuters said the content remains unknown. No data were given on the number of vessels affected by the blockade or the scope of Iranian mining in the strait.

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• “to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments,” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister

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• “We’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward towards a deal,” — Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary

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• “FM Araghchi will be meeting with Pakistani high-level officials in concern with their ongoing mediation & good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region,” — Iranian spokesperson, X post

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• “They’re making an offer and we’ll have to see,” — Reuters-quoted source, phone interview

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Pakistan will relay Tehran’s position to Washington after the Islamabad session. Next steps depend on Iran’s peace package and any de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, which could affect global oil markets in the coming weeks.

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