WASHINGTON DC: US President Donald Trump has scrapped a planned visit by US envoys to Pakistan for discussions related to the Iran conflict, just hours after an Iranian delegation departed from Islamabad.
He said sending officials like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would take up unnecessary time, adding that Iran could initiate talks directly if it wished.
Earlier, Abbas Aragchi met with Pakistani mediators and said he had conveyed Tehran’s stance on ending the conflict, but questioned whether Washington was genuinely committed to diplomacy. Efforts to resolve the situation have stalled despite Trump extending a ceasefire that was originally set to expire on April 22.
Tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil route, with Iran limiting passage following US and Israeli strikes in February, as well as ongoing disputes over its nuclear program. In response, the US has stepped up its naval presence in the area to restrict Iranian oil exports.
Although the White House earlier suggested Iran was willing to engage, Tehran denied plans for direct talks. Trump insisted the ceasefire would remain in place for now, even as chances of face-to-face negotiations diminish.
He also pointed to internal divisions within Iran’s leadership, claiming there was confusion over authority. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance had reportedly been on standby to join the talks if progress had been made.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran remains open to dialogue, but cited sanctions, threats, and broken commitments as major obstacles.
(Inputs from BBC)
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