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US cancels Iran talks delegation after Trump intervention
President Donald Trump abruptly called off a planned US diplomatic mission to Pakistan on Saturday, just hours after Iran's delegation departed Islamabad following mediation discussions.
Trump cites Iranian disarray as reason for cancellation
Trump stated that sending special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner would be a "waste of time," claiming Iran's leadership was mired in "tremendous infighting and confusion." In a post on Truth Social, he asserted, "Nobody knows who is in charge, including them," and added that the US held a dominant position in negotiations.
"Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!"
Donald Trump, US President
The White House had earlier indicated Iran was open to dialogue when announcing the trip on Friday, though Tehran denied any plans for direct meetings with US officials.
Iranian diplomat reports progress in Pakistan talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Pakistani officials in Islamabad, describing the discussions as "fruitful." He stated he had presented Iran's framework for ending the conflict but remained uncertain about Washington's commitment to diplomacy.
"I shared Iran's position concerning a workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran, but I have yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy."
Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif characterized the exchange as "warm and cordial," focusing on regional stability. Araghchi is scheduled to return to Islamabad after visiting Oman and Russia.
Ceasefire extended but tensions persist
Trump extended a ceasefire set to expire on April 22 to allow further negotiations, though diplomatic efforts have stalled. Both sides remain deadlocked over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, and Iran's nuclear program.
The US has bolstered its naval presence in the strait to counter Iranian restrictions on oil exports, which followed airstrikes by the US and Israel in February. Approximately 20% of global oil supplies transit the waterway.
Broader regional conflict continues
Despite the ceasefire, violence persists between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli strikes killed at least four people in southern Lebanon on Saturday, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced intensified military operations against Hezbollah targets.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its program is for civilian energy purposes, despite enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels.
Uncertain path forward
Trump dismissed concerns that canceling the US trip signaled an imminent resumption of hostilities, telling Axios, "No, it doesn't mean that. We haven't thought about it yet." Vice President JD Vance, who led earlier US negotiations, remained on standby but was not included in the planned delegation, hinting at low expectations for a breakthrough.
