Witkoff and Kushner in Pakistan: Trump's Secret Mission for Iran Deal
Vienna, April 24, 2026 — The US administration is employing unconventional diplomacy in the simmering Iran conflict. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner have traveled to Islamabad to hold talks with Iran under Pakistani mediation. This is a remarkable step in a conflict that has kept Europe on edge for months – and could redraw the geopolitical map of the Middle East.
Real estate professionals as peacemakers
The choice of envoys is typical of the Trump administration. Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate developer and long-time friend of the president, has no formal diplomatic training. Jared Kushner, for his part, was already responsible for the Abraham Accords during Trump's first term and is considered the architect of Israeli-Arab rapprochement. Both men rely on deals rather than protocols.
Pakistan's role as mediator is no coincidence. The country traditionally maintains good relations with both the United States and Iran. In recent months, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly offered himself as a bridge-builder. Islamabad hopes for an upgrade of its international role – and for American quid pro quo in the form of economic aid.
What's at stake?
According to reports, the talks revolve around several key points: Iran's nuclear program, Tehran's regional policy, and the sanctions that are economically strangling the country. Trump had once again terminated the nuclear deal, which his predecessor Biden had revived, and pursued a policy of maximum pressure. Tensions have escalated dangerously in recent months.
The development is of enormous importance for Europe. A military conflict in the Persian Gulf would send energy prices soaring and further burden the already fragile European economy. Austria, which has traditionally maintained good trade relations with Iran, has a vital interest in a diplomatic solution. Vienna was once the scene of nuclear negotiations – a role that Pakistan now apparently assumes.
Europe's voice goes unheard
Remarkable is what is missing from the talks: Europe. The European Union, once an important partner in the Iran negotiations, was not involved by Washington. Brussels learned of the developments from the media. It is another sign of how marginal European foreign policy has become in the Trump era.
Austrian diplomacy is observing the developments with mixed feelings. On the one hand, any de-escalation is welcome. On the other hand, it demonstrates once again that central decisions about war and peace are made without European involvement. The Foreign Ministry in Vienna is holding back on public comments – however, frustration is reportedly prevalent internally.
The Two Sides of Power
Witkoff and Kushner's mission reveals the essence of Trump diplomacy: personal relationships instead of institutional processes, moments of surprise instead of long-term strategies. Whether this approach leads to lasting peace or just a short-term deal remains to be seen. For Europe, the uncomfortable realization persists that its security is being negotiated in Islamabad—without a seat at the table. YANUS continues to follow this topic.
