In a surprising move, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday the cancellation of a trip planned for U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad, Pakistan. They were meant to engage in discussions regarding the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
This decision came shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi concluded a brief visit to Pakistan, where he had meetings with local officials. Despite hopeful predictions from a Pakistani government source, the Iranian delegation confirmed there would be no meetings with U.S. representatives over the weekend.
During an interview with Fox News, Trump explained the rationale behind the cancellation. He stated, “I’ve told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18-hour flight to go there.'” Emphasizing his confidence, he added that Iran could reach out anytime, but the lengthy flights for unproductive talks would not continue.
The canceled delegation was part of efforts to schedule a second round of discussions in Pakistan, a location that has previously hosted U.S.-Iran dialogues. Earlier, it was reported by the White House that Witkoff and Kushner would represent the U.S. instead of Vice President JD Vance, who had taken part in the earlier discussions.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the goal of sending the envoys was to listen to the Iranians, following requests from Pakistani leaders such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The meeting aimed to negotiate a more enduring ceasefire arrangement, building on President Trump’s announcement of an indefinite extension. While the ceasefire remains tenuous, significant issues persist, including the Iranian nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
