WASHINGTON DC - A US source familiar with the ongoing negotiations told Rudaw on Monday that an American delegation is scheduled to travel to Islamabad shortly to continue high-stakes talks aimed at resolving the current impasse with Iran.
The delegation, which is expected to include Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, arrives amid a fragile ceasefire and intensifying domestic criticism over the administration's "bullying" tactics.
Speaking to Rudaw, Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed deep skepticism regarding a near-term breakthrough.
When asked if he sees a potential deal between Iran and the United States, “Not anytime soon," Smith said. "The President making empty, over-the-top threats against all of the Iranian people isn't helping us get to a negotiated settlement.”
The Washington veteran argued that the current US strategy of coercion has failed to move the needle in Tehran. Smith contended that Iran is "radically" misaligned with US objectives because they believe they have already withstood the White House’s "best shot."
"We’re going to need a reset," Smith told Rudaw. "The President has dug us a very, very deep hole on this. Iran's a big problem, but this war has not helped us in terms of dealing with it."
Despite the bleak outlook for a comprehensive peace deal, Smith identified the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program as the two critical areas where progress remains a realistic goal.