Trump Cancels Envoys Pakistan Trip For Peace Talks With Iran
President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned trip by his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law
Jared Kushner to Pakistan for indirect peace talks with Iran.
The announcement came on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Trump stated on Truth Social that he called off the
visit to Islamabad, citing excessive travel time, high costs, and “tremendous infighting and confusion”
within Iran’s leadership.
He added that the United States holds “all the cards” and that Iran could contact the US directly by
phone if they wished to talk.
The cancellation followed the departure of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi from Islamabad on
the same day after meetings with Pakistani officials.
Earlier, on Friday, April 24, 2026, the White House had announced that Witkoff and Kushner would
travel to Pakistan for a second round of talks aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Pakistani officials had been acting as mediators.
Trump told reporters and Fox News that the latest offer from the Iranian side was not sufficient and that
there was no point in undertaking long flights for unproductive meetings.
He emphasised that future discussions could occur via telephone rather than in-person travel.
The move represents a setback to diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan to de-escalate tensions.
Iran had earlier indicated that any talks would be indirect, with Pakistan relaying messages between the
two sides. No new date for further negotiations was announced immediately after the cancellation.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
