A first round of negotiations between the United States and Iran on an agreement to end the war is planned for Friday in Islamabad, according to two sources familiar with the plans.
The big picture: Those would be the first in-person negotiations since the war began.
- President Trump announced Tuesday that the U.S. had agreed to a two-week ceasefire, during which time the sides would negotiate on a full peace deal.
- Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, later confirmed Tehran's acceptance.
- "There are discussions about in-person talks, but nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios.
Zoom in: While White House envoy Steve Witkoff has led the diplomacy with Iran during the war with Vice President Vance in support, those roles could swap during the in-person negotiations. Vance is likely to lead the U.S. delegation.
- A senior U.S. official said Vance had established a rapport with Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir, whom Trump and Aragchi thanked along with the country's prime minister for their work on the ceasefire.
- Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner has also been involved in the negotiations.
The latest: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed he'd invited the parties to Islamabad on Friday.
- "We earnestly hope, that the 'Islamabad Talks' succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days!"
