The White House is pivoting from military pressure to diplomacy, with Donald Trump dispatching a high-level delegation led by Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for the first round of US-Iran talks this Saturday.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Vance will be joined by senior advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for the negotiations in Islamabad, with the initial round scheduled for Saturday morning.
The move signals a shift towards diplomacy even as Washington maintains a tough public stance. The White House said recent US and Israeli strikes have significantly curtailed Iran’s ability to arm proxy groups, reshaping the strategic landscape ahead of talks.
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains a top priority, with the US insisting on unrestricted access for global shipping. Officials noted a recent uptick in vessel movement, though uncertainties over security persist.
Leavitt said earlier proposals from Tehran were rejected outright, but a revised framework submitted this week could align with Washington’s position and form the basis for negotiations.
The diplomatic push follows a series of high-level engagements, including Trump’s conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu and ongoing contacts with China. Iran has also indicated it may be open to handing over enriched uranium, a key sticking point in previous talks.
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