US Envoys Head to Islamabad as Iran Rejects Direct Talks Amid Fragile Ceasefire

ISLAMABAD, Apr 25: Envoys of Donald Trump are set to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday to revive ceasefire negotiations with Tehran, even as Iran ruled out direct talks with US representatives. The development comes as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reached Islamabad for indirect discussions.

The renewed diplomatic push follows an indefinite ceasefire that has halted most fighting but failed to ease mounting economic disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.

Pakistan has been facilitating efforts to bring US and Iranian officials back to negotiations after Trump extended the ceasefire, responding to Islamabad’s request for more time for diplomacy. The White House confirmed that envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage with Araghchi, though Tehran insisted talks would remain indirect through Pakistani intermediaries.

Previous indirect negotiations in Geneva on February 27 over Iran’s nuclear programme ended without agreement, followed by the outbreak of conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had dispatched envoys to “hear the Iranians out,” noting unspecified signs of progress from Tehran.

Separately, Trump approved a 90-day extension of the Jones Act waiver to facilitate oil and gas shipments amid disrupted supply chains. The waiver, first introduced in March, aims to stabilise energy prices after tensions effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil passes.

Iran has maintained pressure on maritime traffic, reportedly attacking three vessels this week, while US forces continue a blockade of Iranian ports. Trump has also ordered military action against suspected mine-laying boats.

Global oil markets remain volatile, with Brent crude fluctuating between $103 and $107 per barrel—nearly 50% higher than pre-war levels. The disruption has also affected global shipping routes, including traffic through the Panama Canal.

The conflict has caused heavy casualties, with at least 3,375 deaths reported in Iran and over 2,490 in Lebanon, where clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah escalated shortly after the war began. Additional fatalities include 23 in Israel and several in Gulf states, along with US and Israeli military personnel.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has also suffered losses, including an Indonesian peacekeeper who died from injuries sustained in a March 29 attack, raising total UN casualties to six.

Tensions in Lebanon persist despite a separate ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon announced by Trump. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the development as a step toward “historic peace,” though Hezbollah remains outside the US-led diplomatic process.

Meanwhile, Israel has warned civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate areas allegedly used by Hezbollah for attacks, as both sides continue to exchange drone and missile strikes. (Agencies)