The planned visit of U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iran has been called off. The decision comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing tensions appear to be stalled.
According to reports, the American delegation was set to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad to discuss ways to break the deadlock in negotiations. However, the Iranian government insisted on lifting a naval blockade as a prerequisite for any discussions. Araghchi subsequently departed Pakistan without agreeing to meet with the U.S. representatives.
President Donald Trump justified the cancellation by stating that discussions could be effectively conducted over the phone. He remarked, “I don’t see the point in sending them on an 18-hour flight in this situation. It’s too long. We can do this just as well over the phone. The Iranians can call us if they want to.”
Trump also pointed to internal disarray within the Iranian leadership as a factor complicating diplomatic engagement. He noted that there is significant infighting in Tehran, which hampers productive dialogue.
“There are huge internal disputes and confusion within their ‘leadership.’ No one knows who is in charge, including them. We hold all the cards, and they have none,” he stated on social media.
The U.S. has canceled a diplomatic mission to Pakistan aimed at negotiating with Iran, citing the country's insistence on lifting a naval blockade as a barrier to talks. President Trump emphasized that discussions could be more efficiently conducted via phone, while also highlighting internal discord within Iran's leadership as a complicating factor.