U.S. President Donald Trump has called off a planned diplomatic visit by special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to Pakistan, intended for peace negotiations with Iran. The announcement was made on April 25, following confirmation from an American official to Radio Free Europe that the trip had been canceled.
Trump stated, “I just canceled my representatives’ trip to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians,” citing excessive time spent on travel and ongoing internal strife within Iran’s leadership as reasons for the decision. He emphasized the need for focus on domestic issues.
In a subsequent interview with Axios, Trump clarified that the cancellation does not imply a return to hostilities with Iran. “No. That does not mean that. We haven’t thought about that yet,” he remarked, attempting to downplay concerns about escalating tensions.
This development follows the arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad on the same day, where he engaged in discussions with Pakistani officials regarding bilateral issues before proceeding to Oman and Russia. Reports indicate that Araghchi and his delegation have since left Islamabad.
Iran has stipulated that any return to negotiations is contingent upon the lifting of the U.S. maritime blockade on its ports, a demand that Trump has rejected. Tehran has criticized Trump’s unilateral extension of a ceasefire as “foolish” while the blockade remains in effect.
Recent days have seen heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran seizing two vessels and firing upon a third, actions that followed the U.S. seizure of a ship under Iranian flag.
President Trump has canceled a diplomatic mission to Pakistan aimed at negotiating with Iran, citing internal issues within Iran's leadership. This decision comes amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has recently seized vessels.