Trump Cancels US Envoys' Visit to Pakistan Amid Iran Peace Talks

Cancellation of the Envoys' Trip

On Saturday, Donald Trump announced the cancellation of the trip for US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, where they were set to engage in the second round of peace discussions regarding Iran, according to reports. This decision follows the departure of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi from Islamabad, who left without waiting for the US delegation that was expected to arrive. Reports indicate that Araghchi had previously informed Pakistani intermediaries that Iran was not keen on direct talks with the US but expressed concerns regarding Tehran's deadlines as backchannel diplomacy continues.

Trump shared his decision on Truth Social, stating, "I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians. Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their leadership. Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!"

In an interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated that US negotiators Witkoff and Kushner would not be traveling to Pakistan for discussions with Iran. He emphasized that it was not worthwhile for the US delegation to undertake an 18-hour flight to Islamabad, especially since the US holds a stronger position in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump remarked that the Iranians could reach out to the US whenever they wished to engage in dialogue, stating, "I've told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, 'Nope, you're not making an 18-hour flight to go there. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you're not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing.'"