Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 26: US President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned visit by American envoys to Pakistan for a second round of indirect talks with Iran, saying the trip was not worth the time and insisting Washington held the upper hand.

Trump told Fox News he had instructed officials not to proceed with the 18-hour journey, saying there was no point “talking about nothing” and that Iran could reach out if it wanted negotiations.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had cancelled the Islamabad trip of his representatives, citing “infighting and confusion” within Iran’s leadership.

US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Islamabad for the next round of discussions, with Pakistan acting as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran.

The development came hours after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi concluded meetings in Pakistan with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Iran has maintained that any talks with the United States would remain indirect and has rejected what it called “maximalist demands” from Washington.

The first round of talks held in Pakistan earlier this month, reportedly led by US Vice President JD Vance, lasted nearly 20 hours but ended without a breakthrough.

The cancellation comes amid continuing tensions in the Gulf region despite an indefinite ceasefire, with concerns persisting over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the impact on global energy supplies.

The US has maintained pressure through restrictions around Iranian ports, while Iran has warned against continued American military actions in the region.