US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Pakistan on Saturday for a new round of discussions aimed at advancing negotiations with Iran over ending the ongoing conflict, the White House said on Friday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the planned trip during an interview with Fox News, stating that the Iranian side had initiated contact seeking direct engagement.

“I can confirm Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in talks,” said Leavitt. “The Iranians reached out, as the president called on them to do, and asked for this in-person conversation.”

She added that the administration hopes the discussions will “be productive” and help move negotiations closer to a potential agreement.

The upcoming meeting follows an initial round of talks held in Pakistan more than two weeks ago, which was led by US Vice President JD Vance. According to officials, that session ended without agreement after Iran rejected US demands related to constraints on its disputed nuclear program.

Vance had reportedly been prepared to return for further discussions earlier this week but delayed his travel after Tehran did not confirm its participation. Leavitt said Vance remains on standby to rejoin talks if needed.

“Everyone will be on standby to fly to Pakistan if necessary,” she said, highlighting the administration’s continued push for diplomatic engagement.

Witkoff, a Trump business associate turned globe-trotting negotiator, and Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, had been negotiating with Iran just before Israel and the United States launched attacks on February 28, leading Tehran to accuse them of deceit.

The current diplomatic effort comes as the administration continues to stress a preference for negotiation over further escalation. Leavitt said the president “always wants to give diplomacy a chance” and remains open to continued talks.

“It's always his first option, and he's willing to do that here again,” she said.

With AFP inputs