KARACHI — US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner are expected to represent Washington in upcoming talks with Iran in Islamabad starting Friday, a senior Pakistani official said Wednesday.The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Iran could be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who played a key role in mediating an end to 39 days of fighting, is also expected to participate in the talks.There has been no official confirmation from either the US or Iran regarding the composition of their delegations.Trump appeared to confirm the expected participation of Witkoff and Kushner, telling the New York Post that the talks would take place “very soon.”He added that Vice President JD Vance may not attend due to “a question of safety, security.”The planned meeting follows Pakistan’s announcement earlier Wednesday of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, aimed at paving the way for broader negotiations.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said delegations from both countries are expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday for talks, as Islamabad continues its role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran.Tehran has confirmed its participation, though the format and structure of the negotiations remain unclear.The ceasefire, announced by Trump on Tuesday, came shortly before the expiration of a deadline he had set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a deal or face severe military consequences.
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