US Special Envoy Jared Kushner has said Israel's upcoming Knesset election is complicating efforts to advance a US-backed plan for Gaza, describing the Israeli government's approach as “a little irrational” in certain respects because of domestic political pressures.

Kushner made the remarks on Sunday during a press conference in Kyiv, where he was appearing alongside fellow US envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following talks focused primarily on efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

His comments came as Washington continues to push a proposal involving the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, alongside an Israeli military withdrawal from the territory.

Kushner Points to Israel’s Upcoming Election

Kushner said the United States and Israel broadly agree on what he described as the desired “end state” for Gaza but suggested that Israel's upcoming election was making negotiations more difficult.

“We're working through some political issues in Israel,” Kushner said, adding that the country has an upcoming election that makes the government “a little irrational in certain regards.”

Israel is scheduled to hold its Knesset election on October 27, 2026. The vote is expected to be an important political test for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, with domestic political considerations also influencing debates over Gaza policy. 

US Pushes Gaza Disarmament Proposal

Kushner's remarks came amid efforts by Washington to advance the Board of Peace's proposal for Gaza. The plan calls for the decommissioning of weapons held by Hamas and other armed groups and envisages an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

The proposal has encountered resistance from Israel, contributing to a delay in moving the process forward. The question of Hamas' weapons remains one of the central issues in discussions over Gaza's post-war security and political arrangements. 

Political Pressure Ahead of October Vote

The upcoming Israeli election has added another layer to the debate over Gaza. Recent reporting has highlighted renewed calls from members of Netanyahu's governing coalition for measures concerning the future of Palestinians in Gaza.

Reuters reported that far-right ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defence Minister Israel Katz, have renewed calls related to the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza ahead of the election. The proposals have drawn opposition from Arab and Muslim countries. 

Kushner Describes Gaza’s Situation

During his Kyiv remarks, Kushner also gave a bleak assessment of conditions in Gaza, saying the territory had been in a deeply dysfunctional state for a long period.

His comments came against the backdrop of continuing disagreements over Gaza's future, including the status of armed groups, Israeli military presence and the political arrangements that could follow any settlement.

The humanitarian and security situation remains highly sensitive, with reports of continuing Israeli military strikes despite the existing ceasefire framework. 

Kushner’s Kyiv Visit Focused on Ukraine

Although Kushner's comments on Gaza drew attention, his visit to Kyiv was primarily part of the Trump administration's diplomatic effort concerning the Russia-Ukraine war.

Kushner and Witkoff travelled to Kyiv after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials in Moscow. They held discussions with Zelenskyy on possible steps toward ending the conflict, although the talks did not produce an immediate breakthrough. 

Kushner's remarks therefore linked two separate diplomatic tracks involving the Trump administration: efforts to advance a post-war framework for Gaza and negotiations aimed at finding a diplomatic path toward ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Washington seeks to restart stalled negotiations, while Russia and Ukraine agreed to a temporary pause in strikes on each other’s capitals.

Putin Holds Kremlin Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin met US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin on Saturday as Washington renewed efforts to find a path towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

The meeting came as the conflict entered another tense phase, with Russian and Ukrainian forces continuing long-range strikes and diplomatic efforts struggling to produce a breakthrough.

Putin acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations while welcoming the two American envoys. According to Russian state television footage, he asked them to convey his “best wishes and words of gratitude” to US President Donald Trump.

“The situation is, of course, not simple,” Putin said during the meeting.

The talks are part of Trump's renewed push to revive negotiations after previous diplomatic efforts failed to deliver a comprehensive ceasefire.

Three-Day Strike Pause

Moscow and Kyiv have separately agreed to temporarily halt attacks on each other’s capitals as the latest diplomatic effort gets underway.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin had ordered Russian forces not to strike Kyiv for three days beginning at midnight Saturday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy subsequently announced that Ukraine would also refrain from attacks on Moscow through Monday.

“From now through the end of Saturday, as well as on Sunday and Monday, Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes on Moscow,” Zelenskyy said.

The limited pause does not amount to a broader ceasefire across the front line. Russian and Ukrainian forces remain engaged elsewhere, meaning the arrangement is primarily intended to create space for the latest diplomatic contacts.

US Envoys Carry Peace Plan

Trump has said Witkoff and Kushner travelled to Moscow with a proposal aimed at ending the conflict.

The US president has asked his envoys to assess whether the latest diplomatic push can produce meaningful progress towards a settlement.

However, details of the proposal have not been fully disclosed.

One of the biggest unresolved questions is the future of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia. Trump has not publicly confirmed whether the US proposal requires Kyiv to make territorial concessions as part of a potential agreement.

That issue remains among the most difficult obstacles to any lasting settlement.

Kyiv Visit Planned Sunday

After their Moscow meeting, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to travel to Kyiv for talks with Zelenskyy on Sunday.

The visit would mark their first trip to the Ukrainian capital since Trump returned to the White House and renewed his promise to bring the war to an end.

A visit by the senior US officials would carry symbolic significance as Washington attempts to engage both sides directly.

Ukrainian airspace has remained closed to civilian flights since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Foreign leaders and senior officials travelling to Kyiv have generally arrived by train.

Peace Effort Faces Obstacles

The renewed US initiative comes against a difficult diplomatic backdrop.

Previous rounds of negotiations have failed to bridge major differences between Moscow and Kyiv. Russia and Ukraine continue to disagree over territory, security guarantees, the future of occupied regions and the conditions required for a permanent ceasefire.

Military developments have also complicated diplomacy.

Both sides have intensified long-range attacks in recent weeks, while civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure have continued to rise.

The possibility of another winter of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has added urgency to calls for a diplomatic solution.

Iran Conflict Adds Pressure

Washington's diplomatic effort is also unfolding while the United States remains involved in a separate military confrontation with Iran.

The conflict in West Asia has consumed significant American military and diplomatic attention, potentially complicating Washington's ability to maintain sustained pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv.

Trump nevertheless continues to present an end to the Ukraine war as a major foreign-policy objective.

The latest meetings suggest that his administration is attempting to establish whether a negotiated settlement is still achievable despite the continued fighting.

What Happens Next

The next stage of the diplomatic effort will depend heavily on the talks between the US envoys and Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

If Washington can narrow differences between Ukraine and Russia, the temporary pause around Moscow and Kyiv could provide a foundation for broader negotiations.

But the three-day arrangement should not be mistaken for a comprehensive ceasefire. The wider war remains active, and fundamental disagreements over territory and security guarantees remain unresolved.

For now, Putin's meeting with Witkoff and Kushner has reopened a diplomatic channel at a critical moment.

Whether it develops into a genuine peace process will depend on what Washington can secure from Moscow and Kyiv in the coming days — and whether both sides are prepared to make politically difficult compromises.

The US Vice President suggested that differences in media freedom between Washington and the mediators contributed to the delay in publishing the 14-point agreement.

US Vice President JD Vance has drawn attention to Pakistan's press freedom record while explaining why the Trump administration delayed releasing the full text of the recently signed US-Iran peace agreement, known as the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding".

Speaking on The New York Times podcast Interesting Times with Ross Douthat, Vance said the administration had intended to publish the agreement earlier but suggested that differences in transparency among the countries involved in the mediation process contributed to the delay.

Question of Political Culture

Responding to questions about the timing of the deal's publication, Vance argued that Pakistan and Qatar, which played key roles in facilitating the agreement, do not have the same constitutional protections for freedom of speech and the press as the United States.

"So first of all, we actually really want to get this out because it's hard to have the conversation without the full text," Vance said. "And I think part of the misalignment here is that in the Pakistani and Qatari systems, they don't quite have the First Amendment and freedom of the press. And so there isn't this expectation that the text is going to be out there for the American people to actually interrogate and look at and analyze and understand for themselves".

The remarks came after days of speculation about the contents of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which American officials later disclosed ahead of planned negotiations in Switzerland.

The Islamabad Memorandum

The US and Iran signed the agreement on Wednesday, bringing an end to more than 100 days of conflict in West Asia. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was the first to announce on social media that the two sides had reached a ceasefire agreement, which was later named the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding".

Pakistan and Qatar both played important roles in facilitating the agreement. According to a senior US official quoted by Bloomberg, discussions with Pakistani authorities and separate private talks with Qatari officials helped Washington better understand Iran's political system and move the negotiations forward. A late intervention by Qatar was reportedly crucial in securing the temporary agreement.

However, uncertainty remained after the announcement because the full text of the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding was not immediately released.

Key Elements of the Deal

Vance highlighted key elements of the agreement, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the formal cessation of Iranian military action, which he described as a significant step towards de-escalation.

The interim agreement is aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while also restarting negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. The deal allows Iran to resume unrestricted oil exports, providing an immediate economic benefit. Under the terms, both countries have largely returned to the position they were in before the conflict escalated around three and a half months ago.

Confusion and Diplomatic Delays

The release of the agreement has already been marked by confusion and diplomatic delays. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif postponed a planned trip to Switzerland for a formal US-Iran peace deal ceremony after the Memorandum of Understanding was signed electronically and entered into force.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar later confirmed that the Switzerland ceremony had been cancelled because the agreement had already been signed remotely. The uncertainty deepened after Sharif edited an earlier social media post that had referred to Pakistan and Qatar hosting an official ceremony in Switzerland.

Renewed Focus on Pakistan's Press Freedom Record

Vance's comments have renewed focus on Pakistan's standing in international press freedom. Pakistan has long faced criticism from media watchdogs and human rights organisations over restrictions on journalists, pressure on media outlets and legal measures affecting freedom of expression.

The debate has intensified following constitutional and political changes introduced in Pakistan in late 2025, which critics argue reduced institutional checks and weakened judicial oversight. While Pakistani authorities maintain that freedom of expression is protected under the constitution, rights groups continue to raise concerns about the operating environment for journalists and independent media organisations.

Next Phase of Diplomacy

The next phase of diplomacy is expected to begin on Saturday, when US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are due to meet in Switzerland for a new 60-day round of negotiations. US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is also reportedly already in Switzerland.

However, the deal has faced an immediate challenge as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues in southern Lebanon. The memorandum calls for the termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and stresses respect for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Reports of fresh Israeli strikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks have complicated efforts to move forward with negotiations. Planned talks in Switzerland were delayed after Iranian officials declined to travel, insisting that the violence in Lebanon must stop before further discussions can take place.

US officials have cancelled a planned visit to Pakistan for proposed talks with Iran, marking another setback in efforts to revive backchannel diplomacy between Washington and Tehran. The cancelled visit involved US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, who were expected to travel to Islamabad for discussions linked to a possible ceasefire framework.

According to officials, the Pakistan visit was called off after talks with Iran failed to move forward for a second time. The development has added to uncertainty around a possible diplomatic opening between the two sides, with both Washington and Tehran holding firm on their respective positions.

Iran Talks Delayed

This is the second time the proposed US-Iran meeting has been postponed. Earlier, Iran had declined to participate in peace talks, saying it would not engage in negotiations until the US lifted what Tehran described as restrictions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran had conveyed that it would not send representatives to Islamabad unless its conditions were addressed first. That position effectively stalled the planned engagement and forced another delay in the diplomatic process.

The latest News Today development has drawn attention across global policy circles, especially as the region remains sensitive to any shift in US-Iran ties.

Trump Signals Frustration

Trump publicly confirmed the decision to cancel the Pakistan visit and signalled frustration over the stalled process. In a post on social media, he said he had instructed his envoys not to travel to Pakistan, citing the long journey and lack of meaningful diplomatic progress.

He said there was little point in spending 18 hours on travel for what he described as unproductive discussions. Trump added that if Iran wanted to engage, it could directly initiate contact with Washington.

His remarks suggested a hardened negotiating posture, even as he stopped short of indicating any immediate military escalation.

No War Decision Yet

Trump also said the cancellation should not be interpreted as a sign that the United States was preparing to restart military action against Iran. According to him, no decision has been taken on any such course, and the matter remains under consideration.

That statement appears aimed at limiting speculation around a possible escalation, particularly after the collapse of another diplomatic opening. Government Updates from Washington indicate that the US remains cautious about both direct engagement and confrontation.

The White House has not issued any formal statement beyond Trump’s remarks, but sources indicated the administration remains open to contact if Iran signals flexibility.

Iran Envoy Leaves Early

On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Pakistan before the expected arrival of the US delegation. As per reports, Araghchi departed Islamabad on Saturday after meeting Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief.

During those meetings, he is understood to have conveyed Iran’s conditions and objections to US demands. Officials familiar with the matter said Tehran used the meetings to reinforce its position before any future engagement with Washington.

His early departure effectively undercut the already uncertain diplomatic schedule and confirmed that no immediate breakthrough was expected.

Diplomatic Channel Weakens

The collapse of the Pakistan visit has weakened an already fragile diplomatic channel between the US and Iran. Islamabad had emerged as a possible neutral venue for indirect talks, but the repeated delays now raise doubts over whether that track remains viable.

The episode is likely to remain a Public Interest Story, given its implications for regional security, oil routes and broader geopolitical stability.

Pakistan Steps Up as US-Iran War Mediator — Can Islamabad Broker Peace?

As the US-Iran war enters its fourth devastating week, an unlikely diplomatic heavyweight has stepped into the spotlight — Pakistan. With over 2,000 lives lost, millions displaced, and global oil prices threatening to cross $120 per barrel, the window for diplomacy is narrow. And Islamabad may be the only city in the world that both Washington and Tehran trust enough to sit across the table.

Why Pakistan Is the Right Mediator Right Now

Pakistan's emergence as a US-Iran war mediator is no accident. It sits at a rare geopolitical sweet spot — trusted by America, not hostile to Iran, deeply embedded in the Muslim world, and experienced in back-channel diplomacy.

Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir spoke directly with President Trump over the weekend, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held multiple calls with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar coordinated with counterparts in Turkey and Egypt, quietly assembling the diplomatic groundwork for a potential peace summit.

Pakistan's Foreign Office put it plainly: "If the parties desire, Islamabad is always willing to host talks."

What a Potential Islamabad Summit Could Look Like

Reports from Axios, the Financial Times, and The Times of Israel suggest a high-level in-person meeting could take place in Islamabad soon. The US side may include envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and possibly Vice President JD Vance. Iran could send Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf along with senior officials.

However, the White House has not confirmed any such meeting, stating it will not negotiate through the media. Iran's Foreign Ministry has also officially denied direct talks, dismissing reports as "psychological warfare."

Yet, denials in diplomacy often mean the exact opposite is quietly happening.

Trump's Five-Day Window: A Fragile but Real Opportunity

President Trump announced a temporary pause on planned strikes against Iran's power infrastructure following what he called "very good and productive" conversations. He gave diplomacy a five-day window — short, but significant.

This breathing room is crucial. Every additional day of conflict risks:

• Further closure of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global energy supply
• Wider regional escalation pulling in Saudi Arabia and Gulf states
• Irreversible humanitarian damage inside Iran

The five-day clock is ticking.

Why This Matters Beyond the Middle East

This war isn't just a regional conflict — it's a global economic shock. Oil near $120 per barrel means higher fuel prices, inflation pressure, and supply chain disruption across Asia, Europe, and beyond. India, heavily dependent on Gulf oil, is watching Islamabad's diplomatic moves very closely.

For everyday people from Mumbai to Manchester, how this diplomatic gamble plays out in the next 72 hours will matter at the fuel pump and the grocery store.

Can Pakistan Actually Deliver?

Pakistan has every strategic incentive to succeed. A prolonged US-Iran war destabilises its western neighbour, raises sectarian tensions domestically, and spikes inflation in an already struggling economy.

But mediation is never simple. Iran is humiliated, the US is emboldened, and neither side wants to appear weak. Pakistan must walk a razor-thin line — pushing both parties toward de-escalation without being seen as taking sides.

The coming days will define whether Islamabad rises to this historic moment — or whether the window closes before anyone walks through it.