High-stakes diplomacy shifted to the Pakistani capital as Iran’s foreign minister arrived and US envoys headed to Islamabad in an effort to kickstart peace negotiations amid a fragile ceasefire.

While the White House expressed optimism for progress, Tehran signaled that direct engagement remains unlikely.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Pakistan on Saturday "to engage in talks...with representatives from the Iranian delegation."

Leavitt noted that "the Iranians reached out, as the president called on them to do, and asked for this in-person conversation," adding that the meeting would "hopefully move the ball forward towards a deal."

Leavitt further clarified that Vice President JD Vance, who led a previous inconclusive round of negotiations in Islamabad two weeks ago, is currently on "standby to fly to Pakistan if necessary."

However, Iranian state television countered the US narrative, reporting that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has no plans for a direct encounter with the Americans.

Instead, Islamabad is expected to serve as a bridge to "convey" Iranian proposals aimed at ending the conflict.

Pakistan's foreign ministry confirmed Araghchi’s arrival to discuss "ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability" with local officials, without explicitly mentioning the US envoys.

An Iranian spokesman added that Araghchi’s diplomatic tour would continue to Oman and Russia following the Pakistan stop to discuss ending the war launched against the Islamic Republic on February 28.

The urgency for a diplomatic breakthrough is underscored by the ongoing disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Since the last round of talks, an impasse has held firm, with Iran refusing to negotiate while under a US naval blockade. In response, Tehran has imposed its own de facto blockade on the strait.

European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the global stakes on Friday, stating that the strait "must immediately reopen without restrictions and without tolling," adding, "This is vital for the entire world."

Despite the tension, global markets showed optimism, with major Wall Street indices hitting record highs as officials headed to the negotiations.

Meanwhile, the US bolstered its regional presence with the arrival of the USS George H.W. Bush, its third aircraft carrier in the area.

The diplomatic push in Pakistan occurs against a backdrop of continued violence.

Despite President Donald Trump’s announcement of a three-week ceasefire extension in Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli strikes killed six people in the south on Friday.

Trump has voiced hope for a historic three-way meeting between US, Lebanese, and Israeli leaders. However, internal opposition remains a major hurdle.

Mohammed Raad, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, urged the Lebanese government to withdraw from direct talks, warning that such a deal "will in no way enjoy Lebanese national consensus."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of attempting to "sabotage" the process. Amid the political maneuvering, the human cost remains staggering.

In Tyre, 48-year-old Mohamad Ali Hijazi searched through rubble for mementos of family members killed just before the ceasefire began.

"I'm trying to find my mother's hairbrush... and a bottle of perfume," he told AFP. "My life has been destroyed. I haven't slept for five days."

Source: AFP