Trump Cancels US Envoys’ Trip to Pakistan for Iran War Talks

President Donald Trump abruptly terminated a scheduled visit by U.S. officials to Pakistan on Saturday, following the departure of Iran’s delegation from Islamabad. The cancellation came as a surprise, with Trump stating that special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner would be “wasting too much time” on the mission. He added that if Iran wished to engage in dialogue, “all they have to do is call.”

Iran’s Stance on Diplomatic Efforts

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi had recently engaged in discussions with Pakistani mediators, stating afterward that he had conveyed Iran’s position on concluding the conflict. However, he remained uncertain whether the U.S. was “truly serious about diplomacy.”

“We have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”

Diplomatic initiatives had faltered despite Trump’s decision to extend a ceasefire set to expire on 22 April. The stalemate persists as both sides remain entrenched in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil trade. Iran has imposed restrictions on shipping through the strait since February, following U.S. and Israeli strikes, while the U.S. has increased naval activity there to hinder Iranian oil exports.

Regional Developments and Ceasefire Concerns

Although the White House had earlier suggested Iran was open to dialogue, the country clarified there were no plans for a direct meeting. Trump emphasized that the ceasefire would remain in effect on Saturday, even as hopes for renewed face-to-face negotiations diminished. He criticized Iran’s internal “tremendous infighting and confusion,” suggesting its leadership lacked clarity.

“No, it doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet.”

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged willingness to continue talks but highlighted “breach of commitments, blockade and threats” as key barriers. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif noted that the exchange of views between the two delegations had been “most warm and cordial.” Aragchi, who also plans visits to Oman and Russia, described his trip as “fruitful” but stressed the need for further U.S. engagement.

Escalation in Southern Lebanon

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon claimed at least four lives on Saturday, according to state news reports. The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of launching rockets at Israeli territory. Despite a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group, both sides have continued to fire at each other, with Netanyahu’s office ordering “vigorously attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.”

Washington’s opposition to Iran’s nuclear program has been a driving force behind the current conflict, with the U.S. and Israel suspecting Tehran of pursuing atomic bomb capabilities. Iran has consistently denied these claims, asserting its nuclear initiatives are for energy production, even as it enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels.