Axios: The first round of direct negotiations between the US and Iran to end the war will be held Friday in Islamabad
Axios website reported on Wednesday that the first round of direct negotiations between the United States and Iran to end the war may be held next Friday in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
Axios noted that US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff played an important role in reaching a temporary two-week ceasefire, pointing out that Jared Kushner, former advisor to President Donald Trump, was involved in the negotiations.
He added that US Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to head Washington’s delegation in the negotiations scheduled on Friday, April 10.
In response, White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt told Axios: “There are contacts regarding negotiations, but nothing is certain until an announcement is made by Trump or the White House”.
On Wednesday morning, Trump announced a two-week halt to strikes on Iran, but made it conditional on the complete and immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and on a bilateral ceasefire.
This came less than two hours before the deadline Trump gave Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a deal before destroying what he called an entire civilization.
Trump said on Truth Social that this approval comes based on talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif and Pakistani Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir.
He added: “We received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and we believe it’s a practical basis for negotiation… Almost all previous points of contention between the United States and Iran have been agreed upon”.
He considered that a two-week ceasefire would allow the agreement to be finalized and implemented.
For its part, the Iranian government stated that it aims to conclude negotiations in Pakistan to end the war with the United States and Israel during the 15-day ceasefire period.
