In brief
In a significant development in US-Iran relations, President Donald Trump has cancelled a visit by US envoys to Pakistan that was intended to mediate discussions concerning the ongoing Iran war. Trump criticized the potential visit as a waste of time, suggesting that Iran should reach out directly if it wishes to discuss diplomatic resolutions. This comes amid stalled negotiations and heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has increased restrictions on shipping routes as US military presence grows. The situation raises questions about the possibility for future talks and diplomatic resolutions in a conflict that has seen little progress.
Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip by US officials to Pakistan for talks on the Iran war on Saturday, shortly after Tehran's delegation had left Islamabad.
The US president said special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner would be wasting too much time, adding that if Iran wanted to talk all they have to do is call.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi held talks with mediator Pakistan, indicating he had shared Iran's position on ending the war but hadn't yet determined if the US was truly serious about diplomacy.
Diplomatic efforts have stalled despite Trump's extension of a ceasefire that was set to expire on 22 April, allowing for further talks.
Both countries are locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted passage amid US and Israeli military actions. The US has bolstered its naval presence to counteract Iranian oil exports.
Initially, White House insiders indicated the Iranians were willing to talk, but Iran clarified that a direct meeting was not planned.
Trump reassured that the ceasefire would hold, expressing doubts about the resumption of hostilities, saying: No, it doesn't mean that. We haven't thought about it yet.
Upon announcing the cancellation, Trump remarked on the tremendous infighting and confusion among Iran's leadership, emphasizing that nobody knows who is in charge, including them. He stated on Truth Social: We have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!
Vice-President JD Vance had previously been prepared to join the talks, highlighting the administration's cautious optimism. The absence of major breakthroughs has become evident in the ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated Tehran's willingness for dialogue but condemned the US for breaching commitments and imposing blockades, underscoring barriers to meaningful discussions.
Pakistan has played a pivotal role in mediating communications between the US and Iran, having hosted recent talks that yielded no concrete results.
In a recent social media post, Aragchi described his visit to Pakistan as fruitful, although the future of negotiations remains uncertain.
In related news, tensions have escalated in southern Lebanon as Israeli strikes lead to casualties amid reciprocal accusations of violations of ceasefire agreements with Hezbollah.
