Former Trump administration officials John Bolton and Mike Pompeo expressed skepticism Friday about the prospects for success in upcoming indirect peace talks between the United States and Iran scheduled to take place in Pakistan.

Bolton, who served as national security adviser, said the U.S. was "nowhere close to a deal" with Iran as envoys from both nations prepare for another round of negotiations. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, are expected to travel to Islamabad for the talks.

Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, echoed similar concerns, stating he is "not optimistic" about U.S. and Iranian officials reaching an agreement to end hostilities during the Saturday meetings in Pakistan's capital. Despite his pessimism, Pompeo said he does not fault U.S. officials for attempting diplomatic engagement.

The talks represent another attempt at indirect diplomacy between the two nations, which have maintained tense relations for decades. The meetings in Islamabad will focus on efforts to reduce hostilities and find common ground between Washington and Tehran.

Meanwhile, current Secretary of State Marco Rubio's absence from the Iran talks has drawn attention to President Trump's approach of delegating diplomatic responsibilities to other officials while Rubio focuses on his dual role as national security adviser.