Diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between the United States and Iran have suffered a setback after President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit by his envoys to Pakistan for discussions linked to the crisis.
Trump on Sunday said there was no value in what he described as unproductive negotiations, though he noted that Tehran had quickly revised its position following the cancellation.
“They gave us a paper that should have been better and—interestingly—immediately, when I cancelled it, within 10 minutes, we got a new paper that was much better,” he told reporters, without elaborating.
The White House had said Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy Steve Witkoff were to depart for Pakistan on Saturday for talks with Iran aimed at moving “toward a deal,” but Trump later told Fox News he had scrapped the trip.
“We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing,” the president said he had told his team.
Asked separately whether the cancellation meant a return to hostilities, Trump said, “No, it doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet.”
The diplomatic uncertainty comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi concluded talks in Islamabad with Pakistan’s top leadership, including military and government officials, before continuing his regional tour.
Iran described the discussions as productive, though it maintained doubts about Washington’s intentions. Araghchi said there was still no clarity on whether the United States was genuinely committed to diplomacy.
Even before Trump’s decision, prospects for direct talks were already fragile, with Iran indicating that no formal engagement with US officials was planned and Pakistan acting mainly as an intermediary.
Tensions remain high over the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel, as well as strategic disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.
Iranian military officials have insisted they will maintain their blockade position, while warning of consequences if pressure from the United States continues.
The developments also coincide with renewed violence involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes reportedly killed several operatives following alleged ceasefire violations.
Trump’s earlier announcement of a temporary truce extension had raised hopes of easing regional tensions, but those expectations are now under strain as diplomatic channels appear increasingly uncertain.