Iran denies talks with U.S. as Trump envoys go to Pakistan

Iran denied any bilateral meeting with U.S. negotiators in Pakistan as two Trump envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Islamabad for talks to be intermediated by Pakistani officials. The statement came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Islamabad and met Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir during a regional tour.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei wrote late Friday that “No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran’s observations would be conveyed to Pakistan.” A post by the Iranian embassy in Pakistan conveyed that Tehran had no plan to sit with the U.S. team.

The White House said the envoys traveled Saturday morning after Iranian officials requested an in-person conversation. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the envoys were going “to go hear what they have to say” and that Pakistani officials would intermediate the discussions.

Vice President JD Vance, who led a U.S. delegation to Islamabad two weeks earlier, did not join the weekend trip. That earlier round ended without an agreement and a planned second visit was delayed when Iranian officials reportedly declined to attend. President Trump said he expected Iran to “be making an offer” but did not detail what it would include.

Diplomatic exchanges are unfolding amid increased U.S. economic and maritime pressure on Iran. U.S. forces have imposed a naval blockade focused on the Strait of Hormuz, and the administration said the blockade will remain until a deal is reached. Ship traffic through the strait has slowed.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the administration will not renew a one-time waiver that allowed buyers to accept Iranian oil already at sea, saying, “Not the Iranians. We have the blockade, and there’s no oil coming out.” He warned Iran may have to begin shutting production within two to three days.

The Treasury also sanctioned Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co., Ltd., citing purchases of Iranian crude and petroleum products and noting that independent Chinese refineries have been significant buyers of Iranian oil.

Officials from Washington and Tehran described Pakistan’s role as relaying positions rather than hosting formal negotiations. The exchanges overlap a ceasefire announced on April 7; U.S. officials have tied continuation of that lull to progress in talks. President Trump warned that Iran’s “whole civilization will die” if no deal is reached.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized allies for not contributing more to maritime security, saying Europe and Asia “have benefited from our protection for decades, but the time for free riding is over.” Pakistani officials are expected to relay messages while both sides test whether diplomacy can reduce economic pressure and stabilize the region.