The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are scheduled to travel to Pakistan on Saturday morning for discussions involving Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The announcement was made by press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a Friday interview with Fox News.

“We’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward to a deal,” Leavitt says.

Leavitt clarified that Vice President JD Vance will not be making the trip, though she emphasized that he is still playing an active role behind the scenes.

She added that Vance will remain in the United States together with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the president’s national security team, staying on “standby” and prepared to travel to Pakistan “if necessary.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency pushed back on the reports, stating that Araghchi is not planning to hold talks with US officials in Pakistan.

According to Tasnim, there are “No negotiations with Americans on agenda,” and it accused US officials and media of “FABRICATING” the reports about such a meeting.

Later on Friday afternoon, the New York Times reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, with Iranian officials confirming that talks are set to take place.

Iran is expected to present a revised written response to a US peace proposal during the talks.