US negotiators to go to Islamabad, but Iran says no direct talks

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday morning to engage in discussions regarding a ceasefire deal with Iran. This visit comes amid hopes for progress in peace talks between the two nations. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has already arrived in Islamabad to meet with Pakistani officials and discuss proposals for restarting negotiations with the United States. Despite the presence of US negotiators in Pakistan, Iran's foreign ministry has explicitly ruled out the possibility of direct talks with the US. This stance has been reiterated by various sources, indicating that while discussions may occur, they will not involve direct engagement between US and Iranian representatives. The situation reflects ongoing tensions and the complexities surrounding diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. The White House has confirmed the travel plans of Witkoff and Kushner, emphasizing the importance of these talks in the context of the ongoing Iran war. However, the lack of direct communication from Iran complicates the prospects for a successful outcome. The conflicting signals regarding the nature of the talks highlight the challenges faced by negotiators as they seek to navigate the delicate diplomatic landscape. As the situation develops, the focus remains on the potential for a ceasefire agreement, with both sides appearing to hold differing expectations regarding the format and nature of the discussions. The outcome of these meetings in Islamabad will be closely monitored by international observers, given the implications for regional stability and US-Iran relations.