All signs point to a critical weekend ahead between the U.S. and Iran.

The lead starts right now.

First thing tomorrow morning wheels up for a U.S. delegation headed to Pakistan, but will they get to meet face-to-face with the top Iranian official who is already there?

That is the big question at this

hour as the Pentagon lays out how is it is trying to assert control of the Strait of Hormuz

and beyond. And the family of Virginia Joufrey, the Epstein survivor who died by suicide last year,

marking one year since her death tomorrow.

And we're going to talk with them about the report that alleges even more Epstein crimes

after Jouffray tried to sound the alarm about the now-dead pedophile.

Plus, media and influence in 2026.

We're going to talk to some of the new voices getting access these days,

including a YouTube influencer and the CEO of the dating app, Grindr. Welcome to the lead. I'm

Jake Tapp, and we start in our world lead. The White House says Iran now wants to talk and find a

path to a deal. That's what they say anyway.

President Trump's special envoy, Steve Whitkoff,

and President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner,

are going to head to Pakistan to negotiate with Iranian officials.

Tomorrow morning, the White House confirmed.

Now, the president told Reuters this afternoon

that, in his view, the Iranians are planning an offer

that is meant to satisfy U.S. demands.

The president is, as I've said, many, many times to all of you always willing to give diplomacy a chance.

...