Are the latest Iran talks for real?

This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: US and Iranian diplomats will meet again in Pakistan this weekend to discuss an end to the Iran war. Here’s what to know: What’s the status of the ceasefire? Still in effect and extended “until such time” as Iran produces a “unified proposal” to end the war, according to a social media post by President Donald Trump earlier this week. In other words, likely indefinitely — or until Trump feels like doing otherwise. (It had been set to expire Tuesday evening prior to the extension.) Who’s negotiating? Not Vice President JD Vance. This time, the US delegation will be led by US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and by Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law (who is not a government official, but does have billions of dollars of business interests with Gulf countries). Likewise, the Washington Post reports, Iran will not be sending its leading negotiating partner with the US, Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Instead, according to the New York Times, Iran’s foreign minister will present a written response to a proposed US peace deal. How’s the Strait of Hormuz looking? Still largely closed, as the US continues its blockade of Iranian vessels and ports, and Iran continues to bottle up any other traffic through the key waterway. Earlier this week, Iran reportedly fired on at least three vessels trying to transit the strait, and the US seized an Iranian vessel last weekend. The continued closure means that oil costs remain high as the war’s impact on the global economy — including on the prices and availability of food, fuel, and consumer goods — deepens. What comes next? We’ll see what comes out of the negotiations, though some close watchers have suggested that Vance’s absence is likely not an encouraging sign. In the meantime, the US blockade will remain in effect: “We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump posted on Thursday. “It is ‘Sealed up Tight,’ until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!” And with that, it’s time to log off… Solitude has lots of benefits, my colleague Allie Volpe reports — but it’s best if you do it right, and don’t overdo it. You can read her excellent advice here with a gift link (think of it as advice on how to log off better). As always, thanks for reading! Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you right back here on Monday.