President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a planned trip by senior US officials to Pakistan on Saturday, just as an Iranian delegation was departing Islamabad. The trip, aimed at discussing the ongoing conflict with Iran, was deemed a waste of time by Trump, who insisted that if Tehran wanted to negotiate, they could simply pick up the phone.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner were set to fly to Pakistan to meet with Iranian mediators. But Trump announced the cancellation on his Truth Social platform, citing "tremendous infighting and confusion" within Iran's leadership. "We have all the cards, they have none!" he wrote.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held discussions with Pakistani officials, who have been acting as intermediaries. Araqchi stated that he had outlined Iran's position on ending the war but remained unsure of America's commitment to diplomacy.
Diplomatic efforts have stalled despite Trump extending a ceasefire that was due to expire on April 22. The standoff centers on the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping in response to US and Israeli strikes that began in February, as well as Iran's nuclear ambitions. Washington has ramped up its naval presence in the strait, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes.
When asked if the canceled trip meant the war would resume, Trump told Axios: "No, it doesn't mean that. We haven't thought about it yet."
The White House had initially announced the trip on Friday, stating that the Iranians "want to talk," though Iran denied any plans for direct meetings. Vice President JD Vance, who led the first round of talks earlier this month, had been on standby to join but wasn't part of the planned delegation, signaling low expectations for a breakthrough.
In a related development, at least four people died in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, with Israel accusing Hezbollah of launching rockets. Despite a separate ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange fire.