US-Iran conflict: What’s the latest as the Islamabad talks stall? | US-Israel war on Iran News
Trump Cancels Envoy Visit to Pakistan Amid Stalled US-Iran Talks
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has called off a planned visit to Pakistan by his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were expected to facilitate indirect negotiations amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump indicated that Washington would not dispatch negotiators to Pakistan, a nation currently mediating between the two longtime adversaries. “If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!” he wrote, suggesting that the prospects for dialogue are uncertain.
The fundamental issues at stake remain contentious, particularly concerning the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in the region, which has included hostilities between the US and Israel against Iran, are struggling for traction.
On Saturday in Florida, Trump explained his decision to cancel the envoy visit. He characterized the potential discussions as involving excessive travel and expense without the prospect of a constructive offer from Iran. Trump remarked that while Iran had made various offers, they were insufficient to warrant further negotiations.
He suggested that internal discord within Iran’s leadership is complicating talks, stating, “Nobody knows who is in charge, including them.” Trump asserted that the U.S. holds the advantage in negotiations, emphasizing that the onus is on Iran to initiate dialogue.
In Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the sentiment that negotiations cannot proceed under the current circumstances. In a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian insisted that the U.S. must lift the blockade affecting Iranian ports before any new discussions can commence.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Islamabad on Friday for separate discussions with Pakistan’s military and political leaders. Following these meetings, Araghchi expressed Iran’s commitment to continuing mediation efforts, stating that Tehran intends to work with Pakistan until progress is made.
After leaving Islamabad, Araghchi traveled to Oman for further discussions with regional leadership and is expected to return to Pakistan for additional talks.
Despite the hardened stances from both Washington and Tehran, Pakistani officials remain hopeful about ongoing mediation efforts. They described the indirect ceasefire communications as fragile but still active, although there are currently no plans for the U.S. envoys to return to Pakistan.
The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran commenced on April 8, following nearly six weeks of military actions punctuated by retaliatory assaults across the Gulf region. Initial talks in Islamabad aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire ultimately fizzled after 21 hours without a breakthrough.
Although the ceasefire has largely been maintained, both sides continue to accuse each other of violations. Iranian forces have effectively blocked access to the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. has enforced a naval blockade against Iranian ports, which Tehran views as a violation of the ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, remains a focal point of the conflict. Iran insists on its sovereignty over this strategic passage, while the U.S. demands unimpeded navigation.
Another contentious issue is Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. The U.S. and Israel seek to eliminate all uranium enrichment, alleging without evidence that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapon capabilities. Iran, on the other hand, maintains its enrichment activities are solely for civilian purposes, asserting its rights under international treaties. The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran has enriched uranium to levels significantly higher than what is deemed necessary for civilian use.
