U.S. President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a planned trip by American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for discussions regarding Iran.
In comments made to a Fox News correspondent at the White House, Trump stated that the lengthy 18-hour flight to Pakistan was unnecessary, asserting that the United States holds all the leverage in the ongoing conflict with Iran. He emphasized that Iranian officials could reach out to the U.S. at any time.
“I told my people a little earlier, as they were preparing to depart: No, you will not be flying there for 18 hours. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime, but you will no longer be making 18-hour flights to sit and talk about nothing,” Trump remarked.
Additionally, it was reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had already left Islamabad after engaging in discussions with the Pakistani Prime Minister on Saturday.
Prior to the cancellation, Witkoff and Kushner were scheduled to travel to Islamabad to meet with the Iranian delegation. On April 21, Trump indicated that he would extend a ceasefire with Iran indefinitely at the request of Pakistan.
President Trump has canceled a planned diplomatic mission to Pakistan aimed at negotiating with Iran, citing the U.S.'s advantageous position in the conflict. This decision follows recent discussions between Iranian officials and Pakistan's leadership.