US-Iran Conflict Enters Stalemate at Islamabad Talks

US President Donald Trump Cancels Envoys’ Visit to Pakistan Amid Ongoing Iran Talks

Washington has cancelled a planned visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, where the country is mediating between the United States and Iran in their ongoing conflict. The cancellation was announced on Saturday by Trump, who stated that the talks involved too much travel and expense for an inadequate offer from the Iranians.

Trump also took to his social media platform Truth Social to express frustration with the Iranian leadership, stating that there was “tremendous infighting and confusion” within their government. He claimed that nobody knows who is in charge in Iran and that the US has all the cards, while the Iranians have none.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that his government will not enter negotiations until the US removes operational obstacles, including the blockade on Iranian ports. Pezeshkian made this statement during a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday night.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with Pakistani officials during his visit to Islamabad on Friday, discussing regional dynamics and Iran’s non-negotiable positions. He stated that Tehran intends to engage with Pakistan’s mediation efforts “until a result is achieved”.

Despite the cancellation of the US envoys’ visit, Pakistani officials continue to mediate between Washington and Tehran. Two Pakistani officials described the indirect ceasefire contacts as still alive but fragile.

The conflict between the US and Iran has been ongoing since April 8, when a ceasefire was agreed upon after nearly six weeks of strikes on both sides. The two countries have held talks in Islamabad aimed at securing a permanent deal, but so far, no breakthrough has been achieved.

Source: Al Jazeera