The most consequential story of the day unfolded across multiple time zones. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner would depart for Islamabad on Saturday morning for a second round of talks with Iran, mediated by Pakistan.
“Everyone will be on standby to fly to Pakistan if necessary,” Leavitt told Fox News, adding that Vice President Vance was also ready to join if needed. The framework for the talks was reportedly being worked out between the Iranian delegation and a U.S. technical team already on the ground.
Notably, Iran had not publicly confirmed its participation in the talks as of Thursday evening, according to Le Monde. Still, the fact that both sides are engaging — even indirectly — through Pakistani mediation represents what Der Spiegel described as a potential “next step toward peace.” The diplomatic push comes amid an ongoing military conflict in the region, with ceasefire discussions at the forefront of the agenda.
Pakistan’s role as intermediary has drawn praise from multiple quarters. Leavitt called the Pakistanis “incredible friends and mediators throughout this entire process,” a notable diplomatic compliment from an administration that has often been sparing with such language toward traditional allies.
