Decision follows departure of Iran’s foreign minister from Islamabad without meeting American officials.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump said he canceled a planned trip by U.S. envoys to Pakistan after Iran declined to engage in direct negotiations during a recent diplomatic visit to Islamabad.
The move came after Abbas Araghchi departed Pakistan on Saturday following meetings with local leadership but without agreeing to face-to-face talks with U.S. representatives. Tehran had indicated in advance that it would not participate in direct discussions, instead favoring communication through intermediaries.
Trump said he instructed special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to stand down as they prepared to travel.
“I told my people, when they were preparing for the flight — you’re not going to fly 18 hours, we hold all the cards. They can call us whenever they want, but you’re not flying 18 hours to sit and talk about nothing,” Trump said in an interview, according to Fox News reporting.
In a separate statement on Truth Social, Trump confirmed the decision, writing that the trip had been canceled due to a lack of progress and internal divisions within Iran’s leadership. He added that the United States would not pursue further travel for talks unless Iran initiates engagement.
Pakistan has been acting as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran, hosting indirect discussions after earlier negotiation rounds did not produce an agreement. During his visit, Araghchi met with Pakistani officials, including Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif, to discuss ongoing tensions and ceasefire efforts.
Iranian officials reiterated that no direct talks with the United States were planned. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei said Tehran’s positions would be communicated through Pakistan rather than through direct meetings.
The White House had previously indicated that Witkoff and Kushner would travel to Islamabad to pursue discussions aimed at reducing tensions and potentially advancing a broader agreement. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier that recent developments had created an opportunity for diplomacy following a temporary ceasefire.
Vice President JD Vance, who has been involved in earlier negotiations, remained in Washington but was prepared to travel if talks progressed.
Iran has cited the ongoing U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as a key reason for declining direct engagement. U.S. officials have pointed to signs of potential progress but acknowledged that no agreement has been reached.
Reports have also indicated internal disagreements within Iran’s leadership regarding negotiation strategy, with some analysts pointing to the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
With Araghchi’s departure ending the opportunity for in-person talks in Islamabad, diplomatic efforts are expected to continue through indirect channels unless conditions shift.
Featured Photo: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Asim Munir welcome Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on April 25, 2026. Handout via Telegram
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