US Sends Negotiators to Pakistan as Iran Rejects Direct Talks
The United States is sending negotiators to Islamabad to advance talks with Iran, but Tehran has made clear that no direct meeting with US officials is planned. Iranian representatives said their position would instead be conveyed through Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary.
US President Donald Trump said Iran is preparing an offer that could lead to an agreement, although no details have been made public. His special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are due to depart for Pakistan on Saturday morning for the negotiations.
The standoff is also hitting global markets. Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil shipments normally pass. Shipping data showed that only five vessels crossed the strait in the past 24 hours, compared with around 130 a day before the conflict began.
The disruption has pushed energy prices sharply higher, adding to inflationary pressure and raising concerns over global economic growth. Regional tensions remain elevated by continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, further complicating diplomatic efforts.