On April 25, 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holds discussions with Pakistani officials in Pakistan. Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The US and Iran are still providing contradictory signals regarding the potential for discussions this weekend, while Israel and Hezbollah persist in exchanging attacks despite a prolonged ceasefire.
Here are the most recent updates regarding the second round of peace negotiations:
What the US has announced: On Friday, the White House declared that US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday for direct peace discussions with Iran, while Vice President JD Vance is ready to fly to Islamabad if the negotiations advance. The press secretary stated that the White House has observed “some progress” from the Iranians.
What Trump has stated: During the week, President Donald Trump provided minimal insight into a timeframe for the conclusion of the conflict. He mentioned on Friday that Iran will propose something to the US, but he was not aware of the specifics yet. Merely a day prior, Trump indicated that uncertainty about Iran’s leadership was making negotiations more challenging.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday for discussions with mediators, although his ministry rejected claims of a scheduled direct meeting with the US. Semi-official state media in Iran also stated “there are no discussions with the Americans scheduled.”
Observe the CEO of the International Rescue Committee address the humanitarian crisis impacting the most at-risk populations following the Iran war
In Lebanon, Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah militants persisted in attacking one another on Friday, following the announcement of a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Both sides have since accused one another of breaching the ceasefire.
US destroyer: On Friday, US Central Command shared a photo of a destroyer ship seemingly intercepting a vessel flagged by Iran close to the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday morning, a US-sanctioned ship flying the Curaçao flag navigated the congested vital waterway, per an Iranian news agency, while Tehran continues to assert its control over it.
Imprisonment in Iraq: American reporter Shelly Kittleson — who was taken hostage in Baghdad, Iraq, the previous month — informed Xenix News that she was struck “fairly brutally,” blindfolded, and zip-tied during her capture by a pro-Iranian militia.
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