By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Pakistan in the coming days for discussions linked to efforts to restart talks between Iran and the United States, according to a US official cited by Reuters.
The reported visit comes amid intensified diplomatic activity involving regional and international stakeholders seeking to contain tensions in the Middle East. Vice President JD Vance is not currently scheduled to join the delegation, although US officials have indicated he will remain on standby should negotiations show sufficient progress.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the planned travel in comments broadcast on Fox News, saying Witkoff and Kushner would first report back to senior US leadership following their engagements. She added that further participation from top US officials could follow depending on developments on the ground.
The diplomatic outreach coincides with the expected arrival in Islamabad of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was scheduled to begin a regional tour including Pakistan, Oman and Russia. Iranian state media said the visit was aimed at consultations on regional developments and discussions on possible pathways to revive stalled dialogue with Washington.
Pakistan has emerged as a quiet facilitator in the backdrop of the escalating conflict, maintaining contacts with both Tehran and Washington as part of broader efforts to encourage de-escalation. Officials in Islamabad have described the role as one focused on dialogue and diplomacy rather than direct mediation, though recent movements suggest a more active engagement behind the scenes.
