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US sends envoys to Islamabad as Iran talks signal possible diplomatic shift
April 24, 2026
Posted 3 hours ago by
Another day into this extended ceasefire and there are signs of movement from the United States. The President has decided to dispatch special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner back to Islamabad. Iran has signalled it wants direct talks. The White House says the President remains willing to give diplomacy a chance. The envoys are expected to meet officials in Pakistan to assess whether progress can be made.
At the same time, military pressure is intensifying. The Defense Secretary confirmed a stronger blockade of Iranian ports and vessels, alongside the deployment of a third aircraft carrier group to the region — the first time in more than two decades. US officials say enforcement has gone global, with Iranian-linked ships seized in the Indo-Pacific. The blockade now targets vessels of any nationality moving to or from Iranian territory. The upcoming talks in Islamabad differ from previous failed efforts. Vice President JD Vance will remain in Washington, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio may join negotiations if early discussions show meaningful progress. The developments highlight a dual strategy — pressure and diplomacy — as Washington tests whether engagement with Iran can produce results. AL Jazeera's Mike Hanna reports Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X : https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #USIran #Diplomacy #Geopolitics #MiddleEast #Iran #UnitedStates #Pakistan #GlobalPolitics #StraitOfHormuz #WorldNews
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