Iran war: No direct talks in Islamabad expected

What you need to know

• Iran's foreign minister arrives Pakistan, rules out direct talks with US
• US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected in Islamabad on Saturday

Here are the latest developments in the Iran war and the Middle East on Saturday, April 25

State of US-Iran talks in Pakistan remains unclear

The US and Iran on Friday both gave conflicting statements on the state of potential peace talks, as Pakistan tries to get a second round of negotiations  off the ground. 

The first round of talks in Islamabad two weeks ago led by US Vice President JD Vance ended after 21 hours with no progresstowards a deal. Since then, US President Donald Trump has said a ceasefire would be extended indefinitely, albeit while continuing to issue threats towards Tehran. 

However, without a deal, the global econonmy remains on edge, as passage for goods, oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz remains impeded by both the threat of Iranian attacks, and a US blockade on Iran-aligned shipping.

Unresolved issues ahead of Iran-US peace talks in Islamabad

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Friday that US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will go to Pakistan on Saturday "to engage in talks ... with representatives from the Iranian delegation."

"We’ve certainly seen some progress from the Iranian side in the last couple of days," she added. Leavitt did not offer any details about what US officials were hearing.

"The Iranians reached out, as the president called on them to do, and asked for this in-person conversation," Leavitt said, adding that the talks would "hopefully move the ball forward towards a deal."

Later, Iran's Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had arrived in Islamabad, but ruled out a direct meeting with US envoys. 

Instead, the foreign ministry said Araghchi would convey Iran's "observations" to Pakistan. 

Welcome to our coverage

Hello and thank you for joining us as we bring you the latest developments related to the US-Israel war with Iran and the impacts on the wider Middle East.

Here is a recap of important events from Friday:

• White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will go to Pakistan on Saturday.
•  JD Vance, who led talks with Iran in Islamabad nearly two weeks ago is on 'standby'
• Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has landed in Pakistan, but Iranian media did not confirm talks with the US
• Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth a saying blockade on Iranian ports will remain in place 'until necessary'
• Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend the ceasefire by three weeks, US President Donald Trump said late Thursday
• Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed six people on Friday, the Lebanese Health Ministry said, a day after the US announced an extension of a ceasefire.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest headlines and analysis.

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