Trump cancels envoys' trip to Pakistan for Iran talks
· Axios
President Trump has canceled the trip by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad due to the Iranian position in peace negotiations, he told Axios.
Why it matters: The envoys had been expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a trip designed to break a diplomatic stalemate and build momentum for a deal.
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What they're saying: "I see no point of sending them on an 18-hour flight in the current situation [of the negotiations]. It's too long. We can do it just as well by telephone. The Iranians can call us if they want. We are not gonna travel just to sit there," the president said Saturday.
- Asked whether it means he is going to resume the war, Trump said: "No. It doesn't mean that. We haven't thought about it yet."
- "We have all the cards. We are not going to go there to sit around talking about nothing."
The big picture: While Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran, the diplomatic efforts haven't made any progress in recent days.
- Earlier this week U.S. officials said Iran's divided factions had a short window to come together on an offer.
- "[T]here is tremendous infighting and confusion within their 'leadership.' Nobody knows who is in charge, including them," Trump said in a Truth Social post Saturday after calling off the trip.
Driving the news: Araghchi met on Saturday in Islamabad with Pakistan's prime minister, army commander, and foreign minister, who have been mediating between the sides.
- But the talks ended with no significant progress. Araghchi left Islamabad without committing to meet Witkoff and Kushner if they traveled to Pakistan.
- The Iranian foreign minister expressed in his meetings that Iran demands the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade as a pre-condition for talks.
- About an hour after Araghchi left Islamabad, Trump decided to cancel the trip.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with more comments from President Trump.