The White House announced on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump is sending envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to participate in a second round of ceasefire negotiations with Iran. The move comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to de-escalate tensions following a two-month conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Arrives in Islamabad
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, late Friday. Shortly after landing, he met with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. On Saturday morning, Araghchi held further discussions with Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to Pakistani officials. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated that the Iranian delegation would engage in talks with senior Pakistani leadership regarding regional developments and efforts to promote peace and stability.
U.S. Envoys Expected Shortly
Pakistan is preparing to receive Witkoff and Kushner for the start of renewed talks, though officials have not specified their exact arrival date in Islamabad. Vice President JD Vance will not attend the negotiations, the White House confirmed. The Trump administration has also announced economic sanctions on a major China-based oil refinery and approximately 40 shipping companies and tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil. This appears to be part of a broader strategy to impose secondary sanctions on entities doing business with Iran, aiming to cut off a key source of its revenue.
Commercial Flights Resume in Tehran
Commercial flights resumed on Saturday at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran for the first time since the war with the United States and Israel began about two months ago. Iran’s state-run television reported that flights are now operating to Istanbul, Turkey; Muscat, Oman; and Medina, Saudi Arabia. Flightradar24, a flight tracking platform, showed at least three Istanbul-bound flights departing Saturday morning. Iran had partially reopened its airspace earlier this month during a ceasefire with the U.S.
Germany to Deploy Minesweepers
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to deploy minesweeper ships to the Mediterranean, which could later be transferred to the Strait of Hormuz. “We will deploy a minesweeper to the Mediterranean and provide it with a command and supply ship,” Pistorius told the Rheinische Post newspaper on Saturday. He did not specify the exact departure date. After an end to hostilities between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, the minesweepers could be deployed in the Strait of Hormuz, though such a mission would require approval from Germany’s Parliament. “To save time, we have decided to deploy part of the German units to the Mediterranean early on so that — once the mandate is approved — we do not lose any further time,” Pistorius added.
Islamabad Under Tight Security
Pakistan’s capital appeared to be in a near-lockdown on Saturday morning, hours after Iran’s foreign minister arrived on a closely watched visit as Pakistan attempts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran. Weeklong security restrictions have disrupted daily life, with hundreds of thousands of residents struggling to commute even short distances. Checkpoints, road closures, and diversions have become routine, particularly around sensitive zones. Major arteries leading to the airport and the heavily fortified Red Zone were largely deserted early Saturday, with movement tightly restricted. Soldiers and police were stationed at key intersections, while helicopters circled overhead. Additional forces were deployed on the city’s outskirts over the past 24 hours, with soldiers visible on rooftops overlooking major approach roads, especially near the airport where the Iranian delegation arrived late Friday.
Iran Executes Another Man
Iran hanged a man on Saturday over alleged ties to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency and his participation in anti-government protests in January. Erfan Kiani was the latest in a series of executions following the war and nationwide protests. The Mizan news agency of Iran’s judiciary announced that Kiani was convicted of charges including attacks on security forces in the city of Isfahan in January. The agency claimed he was on a “mission for Mossad” without offering evidence. Human rights activists have long said that Iran convicts people in closed-door trials without allowing defendants to properly defend themselves. There have been multiple executions of alleged spies, as well as protesters and those affiliated with an Iranian exiled opposition group.
Pakistan President to Visit China
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is expected to travel to Beijing on Saturday for a weeklong visit at the invitation of the Chinese government. Discussions will include economic and trade cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. China has played a role in facilitating Pakistan as a host for ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran. Zardari is expected to discuss his country’s efforts to host a second round of negotiations. The visit is part of a longstanding tradition of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China and holds special significance as they mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. “It reflects the deep commitment of both countries to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” the ministry said.
Egypt and Pakistan Discuss Iran War
Egyptian and Pakistani foreign ministers discussed efforts to launch a new round of talks between the United States and Iran during a phone call late Friday. Badr Abdelatty of Egypt spoke with his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The Egyptian foreign ministry said the diplomats affirmed that negotiations are the best way to end the war.
