Trump cancels US envoys' trip to Pakistan for talks on Iran war Donald Trump abruptly canceled a planned trip by U.S. officials to Pakistan for discussions on the Iran war on Saturday, just days after Iranian diplomats had departed Islamabad. The decision came as part of a broader standoff between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil flows. The White House cited internal confusion and infighting within Iran’s leadership as reasons for the cancellation, with Trump asserting that Iran’s leadership had “nobody knows who is in charge, including them.” He also claimed the U.S. held “all the cards” and that Iran could “call” if it wished to engage in talks. The canceled trip involved special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, who had been scheduled to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi. Aragchi, who had recently concluded talks with Pakistani officials, stated that he had shared Iran’s position on ending the war but remained uncertain whether the U.S. was “truly serious about diplomacy.” The U.S. had previously extended a ceasefire agreement with Iran, originally set to expire on April 22, to allow for further negotiations. However, diplomatic efforts have stalled despite this extension, with both sides locked in a deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has restricted passage through the strait since February, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. In response, the U.S. has increased its naval presence in the region to block Iranian oil exports. The White House had previously indicated that Iran “wanted to talk” when the trip was announced, but Iran denied any plans for direct meetings.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #jared_kushner #abbas_aragchi
