The White House claims that Iran wants in-person talks, but Tehran has rejected direct discussions ahead of the second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The negotiations, scheduled for Saturday, come at a time of high global tensions due to the ongoing conflict, which has disrupted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, created uncertainty in the world economy, and led to thousands of deaths across West Asia.
US Vice President JD Vance is on standby and may visit if needed, while US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad to 'hear the Iranians out.'
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's government has stated that no direct talks will take place with US officials during the visit, with Pakistani officials instead passing messages between both sides.
The visit comes as authorities in Pakistan try to bring the US and Iran together for a second round of ceasefire discussions, with US President Donald Trump stating that Iran wants to present an offer to meet US demands.
