The Latest: Trump sending Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for talks with Iran’s foreign minister | The Independent
Trump is deploying private envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to participate in a second round of ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran, the White House announced Friday. Witkoff and Kushner lack formal government positions and operate as Trump’s personal representatives, following Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s arrival in Islamabad for preliminary talks with Pakistani officials. Vice President JD Vance will not attend the negotiations.
The Trump administration simultaneously announced economic sanctions targeting a major China-based oil refinery and approximately 40 shipping companies and tankers transporting Iranian oil as leverage in negotiations. This action implements the administration’s threat of secondary sanctions on entities conducting business with Iran, designed to eliminate Iran’s oil export revenue. Trump previously claimed the outcome of Iran negotiations makes “no difference” to American interests, while also accusing Iran of committing a “serious violation” of ceasefire terms.
Pakistan’s capital Islamabad entered near-lockdown conditions Saturday as security forces established checkpoints, road closures, and diversions throughout the city in preparation for the high-level talks. Hundreds of thousands of residents faced disrupted commutes, with soldiers and police stationed at intersections and helicopters circling overhead, particularly near the airport where Iran’s delegation arrived. Pakistan is hosting the negotiations as part of mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.
Iran executed another man Saturday over alleged ties to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency and participation in anti-government protests, continuing a pattern of executions following the conflict. Human rights advocates have documented that Iran conducts closed-door trials without permitting defendants adequate legal defense, with recent executions targeting alleged spies, protesters, and members of Iranian opposition groups in exile.
Germany announced plans to deploy minesweeper ships to the Mediterranean with potential transfer to the Strait of Hormuz following hostilities, pending parliamentary approval. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari is traveling to China for a week-long visit to discuss economic cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, with discussions expected to include Pakistan’s role in facilitating U.S.-Iran negotiations.