US envoys head to Pakistan for uncertain talks with Iran

US envoys arrived in Islamabad on Saturday aiming to revive a new round of peace talks with Iran under a fragile ceasefire, although the chances of direct negotiations remained unclear.

The White House said Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would hold an “in-person conversation” with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media indicated that face-to-face talks were unlikely.

Iran’s foreign minister reached the Pakistani capital on Friday, while Pakistan said his visit would focus on broader efforts for regional peace and stability rather than direct engagement with the US delegation.

The uncertainty comes despite US President Donald Trump announcing a three-week extension of the Lebanon ceasefire. However, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed six people on Friday, according to the health ministry, underscoring the fragile situation.

Washington hopes the talks could help move toward a wider agreement to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. The White House said Iran had sought the meeting following Trump’s call for dialogue, though it remains unclear whether the two sides will meet directly.

Meanwhile, Iran has signaled it may use Pakistan as an intermediary to convey proposals, while also planning diplomatic visits to Oman and Russia as part of efforts to end the war triggered by Israel and the United States earlier this year.

Efforts to restart negotiations have stalled in recent weeks, with Iran refusing to engage while a US naval blockade on its ports remains in place. Tehran has also restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil flows and rattling energy markets, though prices eased Friday on hopes of renewed diplomacy.

European leaders have stressed the urgency of reopening the strait, calling it vital for global trade, while the US continues to bolster its military presence in the region with additional naval deployments.

Despite optimism from Washington about a possible breakthrough, deep divisions remain. Hezbollah has warned against any direct Lebanon-Israel agreement, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the group of trying to undermine efforts toward a historic peace deal.