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ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Friday to discuss proposals for restarting peace talks with the US, offering some hope for an end to the eight-week war that has killed thousands and sown turmoil in global markets.

US President Donald Trump told Reuters on Friday that Iran plans to make an offer aimed at satisfying US demands, but said he did not yet know what the offer entailed.

When asked who the US was negotiating with, Trump said: “I don’t want to say that, but we’re dealing with the people that are in charge now.”

But Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on X that Iranian officials did not plan to meet with US representatives, even though US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner planned to travel to Islamabad. Iran’s concerns would be conveyed to Pakistan, the spokesperson said.

After a US bombing campaign and Iran’s blocking of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the two countries are at a costly impasse, with Iran’s oil exports blocked and US gasoline prices at multi-year highs.

Speaking before the Iranian foreign ministry’s statement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Witkoff and Kushner would leave for Pakistan on Saturday morning for talks with Araqchi.

Leavitt struck an upbeat tone, saying the US had seen some progress from the Iranian side in recent days and hoped more would come this weekend.

She added that US Vice President JD Vance, who earlier this month led a first round of unsuccessful talks with Iran to end their war, is ready to travel to Pakistan as well.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Iranian statement.

Pakistani sources said earlier that a US logistics and security team was already in place in Islamabad for potential talks.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed Araqchi’s arrival in Islamabad, where a heavy military and paramilitary presence was visible across the central parts of the city.

Araqchi went straight into a meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Serena Hotel, where the first round of talks with the US was held, two government sources said.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pledged his country’s support for mediation efforts by Pakistan in a phone call with Trump, Qatar’s state news agency reported.

Araqchi wrote on X that he was visiting Pakistan, Oman and Russia to coordinate with partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments. The tour will include consultations on the latest efforts to end the war, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson later told state media.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a briefing earlier on Friday that Iran had a chance to make a “good deal” with the United States.

“Iran knows that they still have an open window to choose wisely,” he said. “All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways.”

The last round of peace talks had been expected to resume on Tuesday but never took place, with Iran saying it was not yet ready to commit to attending and a US delegation led by Vance never leaving Washington.

Trump unilaterally extended a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday to allow more time to reconvene the negotiators.

Oil prices remained volatile on Friday, as traders weighed potential disruption from the worst oil shock in history amid the prospect for further talks.

Brent crude futures LCOc1 settled at $105.33 a barrel, about 0.3% higher, while US West Texas Intermediate futures CLc1 were down 1% at $94.88.

Hezbollah dismisses Lebanon ceasefire extension

On Thursday, Israel and Lebanon extended a separate ceasefire for three weeks at a White House meeting brokered by Trump.

The war in Lebanon, which Israel invaded last month to root out Iran’s Hezbollah allies after the militant group fired across the border, has run in parallel with the wider Iran war, and Tehran says a ceasefire there is a precondition for talks.

There was little sign of an end to the fighting in southern Lebanon. Lebanese

Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Historically, it has been a crucial trade route for centuries, and today, approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes through it, making it a focal point for geopolitical tensions, particularly between Iran and other nations.

Serena Hotel

The Serena Hotel is a historic luxury hotel located in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, originally built in the 1970s on the site of the former colonial-era New Stanley Hotel. It is renowned for its blend of modern comfort and traditional African-inspired architecture and décor, often featuring local art and crafts. The hotel has served as a prestigious accommodation for diplomats, business travelers, and tourists, reflecting Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and its role as a gateway for East African tourism.

Oman

Oman is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, known for its rich maritime history and ancient trade routes. Historically, it was a powerful seafaring nation with territories in East Africa and Zanzibar, and its capital, Muscat, served as a key port for frankincense and spice trade. Today, Oman blends its heritage of forts, souks, and desert landscapes with modern development, while maintaining a distinct cultural identity.

Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia, with a rich history that began with the rise of the Kievan Rus’ in the 9th century. It later became the powerful Russian Empire under Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, and then the Soviet Union, a global superpower during the 20th century. Today, Russia is known for its cultural landmarks like Moscow’s Red Square and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, as well as its contributions to literature, music, and science.

Pakistan

Pakistan is a South Asian country with a rich history shaped by ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley, as well as Islamic, Mughal, and British colonial influences. It gained independence from British rule in 1947, becoming a homeland for Muslims in the region. Today, Pakistan is known for its diverse culture, landmarks such as the Badshahi Mosque and Mohenjo-Daro, and its strategic geopolitical position.

Qatar

Qatar is a small, wealthy country on the Arabian Peninsula, historically known for pearl diving and fishing before the discovery of oil and natural gas transformed its economy. Its modern capital, Doha, features a striking skyline and cultural landmarks like the Museum of Islamic Art, which reflect the nation’s rapid development since gaining independence in 1971. Today, Qatar is a global hub for energy, trade, and events, notably hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Lebanon

Lebanon is a country in the Middle East with a rich history dating back thousands of years, home to ancient Phoenician civilizations, Roman ruins like Baalbek, and Crusader castles. It gained independence from France in 1943 and became known as the “Switzerland of the East” for its cultural diversity and financial hub, Beirut. Despite periods of civil war and instability, Lebanon remains renowned for its vibrant culture, cuisine, and resilient people.

White House

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. Construction began in 1792 under the direction of George Washington, and it was first occupied by President John Adams in 1800. The building was burned by British forces during the War of 1812, but was later rebuilt and expanded, becoming a powerful symbol of American leadership and history.