President Donald Trump has called off plans to send a U.S. delegation to Pakistan for indirect discussions with Iran. The team was expected to include Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner.
According to reports, Trump decided against the trip due to the significant time and cost associated with long-distance travel. He indicated that the United States would not continue making lengthy trips for talks he believes are unproductive, adding that Iranian officials could reach out directly if they are serious about negotiations.
In remarks reported Saturday, Trump stressed that the U.S. holds a strong negotiating position and sees little value in further in-person meetings under current conditions.
In a post on Truth Social, he also criticized Iran’s leadership, describing it as divided and lacking clear direction, which he suggested further undermines the prospects for meaningful dialogue.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has already departed Islamabad after holding talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Saturday that no meeting between Iran and the United States is currently planned. He added that Iran’s position would instead be communicated through Pakistani officials.
