Trump Cancels Envoys' Planned Visit to Pakistan Amid Iran Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, stating that the revised offer from Iran was not sufficient to resolve the conflict.
ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that there was significant infighting and confusion within Iran's leadership as he canceled a planned visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan.
According to Trump, Tehran had made an improved proposal to resolve the ongoing conflict but fell short of U.S. expectations, leading him to call off the trip.
Trump highlighted the internal turmoil within Iran's leadership in his statement before departing Florida, suggesting that Iran lacks clear leadership.
He emphasized that if Iran wants to engage in talks, they should simply contact the U.S.
In a separate conversation with Fox News on Saturday evening, Trump explicitly stated his decision not to send his envoys to Pakistan for further discussions with Iranian officials.
Trump expressed confidence that the U.S. holds all the necessary leverage and suggested that Iran could initiate talks at any time without requiring an 18-hour flight for U.S. representatives.
The cancellation of the visit impedes ongoing mediation efforts centered in Islamabad, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had concluded meetings with Pakistani officials without achieving a breakthrough.
Although Araqchi described the discussions as 'very fruitful,' Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian communicated that Tehran would not engage in 'imposed negotiations' under threats or blockade and urged Washington to address operational obstacles, including restrictions on Iranian ports.
Regional tensions remain high, particularly in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered forces to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, testing the fragile three-week ceasefire.
The conflict between Iran and its adversaries, which began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, continues to escalate, impacting global energy prices and economic growth prospects.
Araqchi discussed Iran's principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the termination of the imposed war against Iran, according to a statement released on his official Telegram account.
An Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad indicated that Tehran would not accept maximalist demands from the U.S.
The White House expressed hopes for further progress from the Iranian side over the weekend, while Vice President JD Vance prepared to travel to Pakistan as well.
Vance had previously led unsuccessful talks with Iran in Islamabad earlier this month.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that Iran still has an opportunity to make a 'good deal' by abandoning nuclear ambitions in meaningful and verifiable ways.
According to Trump, Tehran had made an improved proposal to resolve the ongoing conflict but fell short of U.S. expectations, leading him to call off the trip.
Trump highlighted the internal turmoil within Iran's leadership in his statement before departing Florida, suggesting that Iran lacks clear leadership.
He emphasized that if Iran wants to engage in talks, they should simply contact the U.S.
In a separate conversation with Fox News on Saturday evening, Trump explicitly stated his decision not to send his envoys to Pakistan for further discussions with Iranian officials.
Trump expressed confidence that the U.S. holds all the necessary leverage and suggested that Iran could initiate talks at any time without requiring an 18-hour flight for U.S. representatives.
The cancellation of the visit impedes ongoing mediation efforts centered in Islamabad, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had concluded meetings with Pakistani officials without achieving a breakthrough.
Although Araqchi described the discussions as 'very fruitful,' Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian communicated that Tehran would not engage in 'imposed negotiations' under threats or blockade and urged Washington to address operational obstacles, including restrictions on Iranian ports.
Regional tensions remain high, particularly in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered forces to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, testing the fragile three-week ceasefire.
The conflict between Iran and its adversaries, which began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, continues to escalate, impacting global energy prices and economic growth prospects.
Araqchi discussed Iran's principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the termination of the imposed war against Iran, according to a statement released on his official Telegram account.
An Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad indicated that Tehran would not accept maximalist demands from the U.S.
The White House expressed hopes for further progress from the Iranian side over the weekend, while Vice President JD Vance prepared to travel to Pakistan as well.
Vance had previously led unsuccessful talks with Iran in Islamabad earlier this month.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that Iran still has an opportunity to make a 'good deal' by abandoning nuclear ambitions in meaningful and verifiable ways.
