Trump cancels Pakistan talks trip, says Iran war on hold
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
International efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran faced uncertainty after President Donald Trump cancelled his envoys’ planned trip to Pakistan for talks. Trump stated there was no point "sitting around talking about nothing" but noted that Iran revised its proposal shortly after his decision. The White House had indicated Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff were to travel to Pakistan for discussions aimed at a deal. Trump later told Fox News he had scrapped the trip, asserting that the US held "all the cards." When asked if the cancellation meant a return to hostilities, Trump replied, "No, it doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi concluded a visit to Islamabad, meeting Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Araghchi described his Pakistan trip as "very fruitful" but expressed skepticism about Washington’s intentions. Iranian state television reported Araghchi had no plans to meet US officials, with Islamabad acting as a conduit. Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterating Pakistan's commitment to facilitating "durable peace." Pezeshkian reportedly told Sharif that the Islamic Republic would not be coerced by Washington’s "hostile actions." Pressure to end the war has intensified due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated its intention to ma
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