While the world was waiting for possible progress in US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad and hoping for breakthrough, an announcement by United States President Donald Trump has shifted the diplomatic momentum. Trump on Saturday said he has cancelled the planned trip of his envoys to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. The development came at a time when Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Islamabad and had been holding high-level meetings with Pakistan’s leadership.
US-Iran Peace Talks Hit Setback
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that too much time was being wasted on travel and criticised what he described as confusion and infighting within Iran’s leadership. He further stated that Washington holds a strong position in any negotiations, stating Iran should reach out if it wants to talk.
He wrote, “I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going is Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians. Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their “leadership.” Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!”
Trump Cancels US Envoys’ Trip
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were earlier expected to travel to Islamabad as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts. However, Tehran made it clear that it will not hold direct talks with American officials at this stage. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei also confirmed that no meeting between Tehran and Washington is planned, adding that Iran’s position would be conveyed through Pakistan. A similar instance had taken place on April 22, when Vice President JD Vance’s visit was also cancelled after Tehran refused to join talks.
The development signals a major setback in ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan. After the failure of the first round of talks on April 11, some progress was expected toward reaching a broader peace deal. However, the deadlock seems to persist as both sides avoid sitting on the negotiating table. The move also highlights existing tensions and mistrust between Washington and Tehran, as both prefer indirect communication through intermediaries like Pakistan.
Why Is This Big Embarrassment For Pakistan?
The move also highlights Pakistan’s failure to secure second rounds of talks between the US and Iran. Pakistani officials had earlier described their mediation efforts as positive, but the development now suggests otherwise. It also exposes the country to challenges if tensions escalate further.
Trump had reportedly assured Pakistan that he would send his delegation, and based on those assurances, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to Iranian negotiator Abbas Araghchi. However, Trump’s last moment decision has left Pakistan’s leadership in an awkward position. Furthermore, if no breakthrough is achieved in the coming days, Islamabad’s role as “neutral” mediator would invite global criticism.
ALSO READ: ‘No Meeting Planned, Will Communicate Via Pak’: Iran Rules Out Direct Talks With US
Araghchi Calls Visit 'Fruitful'
Meanwhile, Araghchi described his visit to Pakistan as “very fruitful,” appreciating Islamabad’s good offices and its brotherly efforts to help restore peace in the region. He wrote on X, "Very fruitful visit to Pakistan, whose good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace to our region we very much value. Shared Iran's position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy."
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