Senior U.S. officials are preparing for a diplomatic mission to Pakistan as tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme continue, despite Tehran publicly denying that any direct negotiations with Washington are scheduled.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Pakistan in what the White House describes as a renewed effort to advance discussions in the region. The move comes amid conflicting accounts from Washington and Tehran بشأن whether talks are actually underway.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the United States is engaged in dialogue after Iran initiated contact and requested an in-person meeting. However, Iran’s foreign ministry has rejected that characterization.
In a statement posted on X, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry said that while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had arrived in Pakistan, no bilateral meeting with U.S. representatives had been arranged. Instead, the spokesperson indicated that Iran’s position would be communicated through Pakistani officials.
U.S. President Donald Trump offered few details about who Washington might be engaging with on the Iranian side, saying only that the administration is dealing with “the people that are in charge now.”
He also suggested that Tehran could soon present a proposal aimed at meeting U.S. demands, telling Reuters: “They’re making an offer and we’ll have to see.”
Washington has maintained a firm stance in its negotiations, insisting that Iran abandon its stockpile of enriched uranium and commit to never developing nuclear weapons.
Escalation in Lebanon Despite Ceasefire
Meanwhile, violence has continued in Lebanon even after a temporary truce was extended. Israel reported killing six members of Hezbollah in strikes carried out on the same day a three-week ceasefire extension was announced by President Trump.
Israeli officials said the operations were conducted in self-defense, emphasizing that they retain the right to act against Hezbollah threats despite the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
Pentagon Warning to Iran and Criticism of Europe
At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a stark warning to Tehran, urging it to “choose wisely” and pursue a diplomatic resolution. He cautioned that the United States remains fully prepared to resume military action if necessary.
Hegseth also took aim at European allies, criticizing what he described as ineffective discussions over security in the Strait of Hormuz. He dismissed such efforts as “fancy conferences” and urged more direct action.
UK Reaffirms Falklands Sovereignty
Separately, the British government has responded firmly to reports questioning U.S. support for the United Kingdom’s claim over the Falkland Islands.
Officials at Downing Street and the UK foreign secretary reiterated that the islands remain British territory following a Reuters report about an internal Pentagon document. The draft memo reportedly explored potential measures against NATO allies that have not increased their involvement in addressing tensions with Iran.
The Falkland Islands have been under British control since the UK repelled an Argentine invasion in 1982, a point government officials emphasized in their response.
Discover more from Nehanda Radio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
