The photo in the box on the right shows Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arriving at Islamabad Airport [IRIB Capture]

As Steve Witkoff, the special envoy, and Jared Kushner, White House advisor, were reportedly set to depart for Islamabad to meet with the Iranian negotiation team, Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported that Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is on a tour of Pakistan, Oman, and Russia, will not be meeting with the United States this time.

IRIB reported on the evening of the 24th (local time) about Minister Araghchi's arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan, stating, "Contrary to some speculation, no meeting with the U.S. side is scheduled during this tour."

Previously, White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt told reporters on the 24th (Friday), "The Iranian side wants to meet and talk directly. The President is always willing to work towards a diplomatic solution. Steven and Jared will head to Pakistan tomorrow to hear the Iranian side's position. We hope for progress and positive results from this meeting and will be watching the outcome."

Levitt added that while Vance would not be attending, he "is on standby and willing to be deployed to Pakistan if deemed necessary."

President Trump told Reuters in an interview, "We'll have to see, as they're making proposals."

However, the Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that Tehran has never requested talks with the U.S., according to Iran International, a Persian-language media outlet based in London.

Tasnim news agency added that the Islamic Republic of Iran has "consistently rejected negotiation requests so far due to the U.S.'s excessive demands."

Iran International also reported that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a hardline member of the Iranian parliament, resigned from his position as head of the regime's negotiation team due to differences in stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions.

IRIB stated that Pakistan will act as a spokesperson for Iran and mediate. It also explained that Oman, which Araghchi is visiting for the second time, will focus on strengthening regional trust as a long-time friend and mediator of Iran.

There are analyses suggesting that Iran's attempt to change or increase the number of mediators for peace talks is a strategy aimed at both delaying tactics and diverting attention.

Regarding Russia, Araghchi's final destination, IRIB assigned meaning to it by stating, "It sends a message both domestically and internationally that Iran prioritizes relations with its strategic partners to achieve lasting peace."

With shipping routes blocked, making China's military support difficult, Russia can provide military proximity and transport of materials through the Caspian Sea. The two countries have demonstrated their military alliance by conducting joint naval exercises in the Caspian Sea.

As the U.S. blockades the Strait of Hormuz and increases economic pressure on Iran, Iran appears to be positioning itself to become closer to Russia by bringing Oman in as a mediator.

By Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy, and Jared Kushner, White House Advisor, reportedly set to depart for Islamabad to meet with the Iranian negotiation team, Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported that Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is on a tour of Pakistan, Oman, and Russia, will not be meeting with the United States this time.