JUST IN: Trump Confirms Iran Negotiations Resume This Week – Steve Witkoff Heads to Pakistan Tomorrow Night, Jared Kushner to Join Tuesday Talks in Islamabad; JD Vance Will Not Attend

Reflecto News
April 19, 2026

President Donald Trump has confirmed that U.S.-Iran negotiations will resume this week in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff departing tomorrow night and Jared Kushner joining the talks scheduled for Tuesday.

Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said: “Steve’s going to be going there tomorrow night,” confirming that Witkoff will arrive in Islamabad on Monday night ahead of the second round of direct peace talks. He added that his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who has prior experience in Middle East dealmaking, will also participate.

Vice President JD Vance, who led the first round of negotiations earlier this month, will not attend the upcoming session.

Details of the Upcoming Talks

The second round of U.S.-Iran negotiations, hosted and mediated by Pakistan, follows an inconclusive first session in mid-April that lasted over 20 hours. The upcoming talks are expected to focus on key sticking points, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, and terms for extending or solidifying the fragile two-week ceasefire.

Pakistan has played a central role in facilitating dialogue, with officials including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir actively involved in shuttle diplomacy.

Trump’s announcement comes amid his repeated strong warnings to Iran, including recent statements that failure to reach a deal could result in the targeting of Iranian power plants and bridges, and broader threats of the country being “blown up.”

Broader Context and Challenges

The ceasefire remains tenuous, with recent accusations of violations in the Strait of Hormuz, including reported firing at international vessels. Disruptions in the vital waterway have driven up global energy prices, prompting responses such as Europe’s push for remote work and subsidized public transport to reduce fuel demand.

Other regional developments continue to influence the atmosphere:

• Ongoing Israeli operations in southern Lebanon.
• Turkish criticism of alleged Israeli attempts to create a “fait accompli” in Lebanon.
• Spain’s planned proposal to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The exclusion of JD Vance from the Tuesday talks marks a shift in the U.S. delegation composition compared to the first round.

Reflecto News will provide live coverage as Witkoff and the U.S. team prepare to depart and as negotiations unfold in Islamabad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When will the next U.S.-Iran talks take place?
The second round is scheduled for Tuesday in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Steve Witkoff arriving Monday night.

Q2: Who is leading the U.S. delegation this time?
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will travel, with Jared Kushner also participating. Vice President JD Vance, who led the first round, will not attend.

Q3: What are the main issues expected to be discussed?
Key topics include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear activities, the U.S. naval blockade, and extending the fragile ceasefire.

Q4: Why is Pakistan hosting the negotiations?
Pakistan has emerged as a neutral mediator with strong relations with both Washington and Tehran, facilitating shuttle diplomacy and direct talks.

Q5: How does this fit with Trump’s recent warnings?
Trump has continued to issue strong threats of military action against Iranian infrastructure if no deal is reached, while simultaneously pursuing diplomacy through the Pakistan channel.

Q6: What was the outcome of the first round of talks?
The initial negotiations in Islamabad lasted over 20 hours but ended without a final agreement, though they helped establish a fragile two-week ceasefire.

Q7: What is the current status of the ceasefire?
It remains fragile, with mutual accusations of violations, particularly regarding maritime activities in the Strait of Hormuz.

For the latest updates on the U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan, Steve Witkoff’s travel, Jared Kushner’s involvement, and the broader Middle East situation, bookmark Reflecto News — your trusted source for accurate, balanced international reporting.