Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, April 25 

US President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for talks linked to the US-Iran standoff, US media reported, in a setback to already fragile diplomatic efforts.

Trump said he called off the trip at the last minute, citing Washington’s negotiating leverage. “We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing,” he told Fox News.

The cancellation underscores widening differences between Washington and Tehran on key issues, including sanctions and restrictions affecting Iranian ports, with little sign of convergence.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who had visited Islamabad for regional consultations, has since left for Oman, though Pakistani officials expect further engagement. During his trip, Araghchi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir.

Sharif described the talks as “warm and cordial,” while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said discussions focused on regional stability and the need for dialogue.

Iran has maintained it is not pursuing direct talks with US officials. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei said engagements in Islamabad were strictly bilateral, despite US suggestions that Tehran was open to face-to-face negotiations.

Pakistan has sought to act as an intermediary, facilitating indirect communication between the two sides amid deep mistrust. However, analysts say the scrapping of the envoy visit highlights the lack of agreement even on the format of talks.

The diplomatic impasse continues despite a temporary two-week ceasefire intended to create space for negotiations after earlier discussions broke down.

Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and mounting domestic pressures in Iran have further complicated prospects for a breakthrough, suggesting a long-term resolution remains distant.