Published on 4/25/2026
Israeli Channel 12 quoted officials as saying that the United States and Israel are coordinating closely on negotiations with Iran, including measures if these negotiations fail.
According to these officials, US President Donald Trump’s truce is likely to be very short, putting the region on high alert, based on the Israeli channel.
The officials confirmed that they conveyed to Washington the message that there should be no retreat regarding the naval blockade imposed on Iran by Washington.
In this context, the Washington Post reported – citing unnamed officials – that both of Trump’s envoys: Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner tend to include Israeli goals in Washington’s negotiating position.
Vance’s absence
The newspaper added that the decision not to send J.D. Vance – US Vice President – to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad – to participate in upcoming negotiations with Iran – is in line with the protocol that requires him to negotiate with his counterparts at the same level.
She indicated that Vance’s absence may make it easier for the US administration to deal in the media with the repercussions of the failure of the talks.
The White House announced – yesterday, Friday – that envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will leave – Saturday morning – for Islamabad, and will hold direct talks with the Iranian side, mediated by Pakistan.
This announcement came as Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported the arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad yesterday evening, as part of a tour that also includes Russia and the Sultanate of Oman, which had hosted negotiations before the war against Iran that began on February 28 last.
Fox News quoted White House spokeswoman Carolyn Leavitt as saying that Iran has contacted and requested a direct meeting, and that there has been “progress” from the Iranian side in recent days, expressing her hope that the talks between the two parties will be fruitful and contribute to advancing progress towards an agreement.
Later, US President Donald Trump said that Iran intends to make an offer that meets American demands.
Trump added that Iran wants to hold talks and discuss the possibility of reaching an agreement, and continued, “American officials who negotiate with Iran are dealing with the people who are in charge now.”
In contrast to the American statements about the upcoming meetings with the Iranians, Iranian television said – yesterday evening, Friday – that Araqchi does not plan to meet with the American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, adding that Islamabad will convey Tehran’s remarks about stopping the escalation.
Source: The island + American press + Israeli press
