US Envoy and Jared Kushner to Visit Pakistan for Iran Talks

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will depart for Pakistan on Saturday morning for talks with Iranian officials, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in an interview with Fox News. While Vice President JD Vance is currently not scheduled to attend, he is prepared to travel to Islamabad if negotiations advance, as reported by CNN.

The news comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also set to visit Pakistan, followed by trips to Oman and Russia. The discussions are part of ongoing efforts to resolve tensions in the region and build on recent peace initiatives.

Hours after President Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes targeted locations in southern Lebanon, as reported by Al Jazeera and local media. Two strikes were confirmed in the town of Touline and one in Khirbet Selm, reported Lebanon 24.

In response to rising tensions, the US military confirmed the arrival of the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in the Middle East, marking the third American aircraft carrier in the region alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln. This comes during a critical phase of the ceasefire that has paused military actions, including the US-Israeli air operations that began in late February.

President Trump announced the extension of the ceasefire following discussions with the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors at the White House. He stated, "They do have Hezbollah to think about," indicating the complexities of the ongoing negotiations.

On the topic of nuclear weapons, Trump asserted that he would not deploy such arms in the conflict against Iran, stating, "Why would I use a nuclear weapon?" He emphasized that the conventional military efforts had already significantly impacted Iran's capabilities.

During a press conference, Trump mentioned that while Iran might have bolstered its military stockpile during the ceasefire, the US military could rapidly dismantle it. He claimed, "Their navy is gone, their air force is gone," reiterating confidence in the US military's efficiency.

Despite reports of progress from Iran regarding their willingness to engage in dialogue, tensions remain high, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, where a return to diplomacy is uncertain. The White House expressed hope for more constructive engagement during the upcoming weekend discussions.

The ongoing conflict has thrust the role of various nations into the spotlight, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praising Pakistan's mediation efforts during a recent call with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced concerns over Hezbollah's possible interference in peace initiatives. He stated that Israel had "full freedom of action against any threat" and confirmed military actions taken to secure northern Israel.

As diplomatic efforts continue to unfold, the focus remains on resolving conflicts while managing the intricate web of regional tensions and external influences.