US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he had called off a planned trip by his envoys to Pakistan for talks with Iran, easing expectations of an imminent diplomatic breakthrough.
However, he clarified that the decision does not signal an immediate return to hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The White House had earlier indicated that Trump’s representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were scheduled to travel to Islamabad for direct engagement with Iranian officials aimed at advancing negotiations. But speaking to Fox News, Trump confirmed he had scrapped the visit.
“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,” the president said he had told his team.
When asked by Axios whether the move implied a restart of military action, Trump responded: “No. It doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet.”
The development came shortly after Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, concluded a diplomatic visit to Pakistan, where he held talks with key figures including military chief Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Pakistan has been playing a central role in mediating between Tehran and Washington.
Iran later confirmed that Araghchi had departed Islamabad for Muscat to continue consultations with Omani officials, with plans to proceed to Russia as part of ongoing efforts to end the conflict that began on February 28.
In a post on X, Araghchi described his engagement in Pakistan as “very fruitful,” noting that he presented Iran’s stance on a “workable framework to permanently end the war.”
“Have yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy,” he said.
Even before Trump’s announcement, uncertainty surrounded the possibility of renewed negotiations. Iranian state media reported that Araghchi had no intention of meeting US officials directly, with Islamabad instead serving as an intermediary to relay Tehran’s proposals.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil and gas, which has remained shut. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Saturday insisted the blockade would continue, citing it as a strategic measure.
“Controlling the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the shadow of its deterrent effects over America and the White House’s supporters in the region is the definitive strategy of Islamic Iran,” the Guards said on their official Telegram channel.
The United States has responded with its own blockade of Iranian ports, further escalating the standoff. Iran’s military also warned of retaliation if US actions persist.
In a statement carried by state media, the command said that if “the invading US military continues blockading, banditry, and piracy in the region, they should be certain that they will face a response”.
Efforts to revive negotiations have stalled since the initial round of US-Iran talks in Pakistan, with Tehran refusing further participation unless the US lifts its naval blockade. Iran has also limited passage through the Strait of Hormuz to only a small number of vessels.
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European Council President Antonio Costa called for the immediate reopening of the waterway, stressing its global importance.
“This is vital for the entire world,” Costa said.
On another front, Trump recently announced a three-week extension of a ceasefire in Lebanon following discussions with Israeli and Lebanese representatives, expressing optimism about a broader peace deal.
However, Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammed Raad urged Lebanon’s government to withdraw from direct negotiations with Israel, warning that any long-term agreement would lack domestic support.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of undermining peace efforts, stating “it’s clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage” the process.
Despite the ceasefire extension, violence persists. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes on Saturday in the Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil areas killed six people.
In Sidon, residents remain uncertain about the situation. Ahmad Shumar, 74, said he and his family were preparing to return to their hometown in southern Lebanon after previously postponing their plans due to security concerns.
“We are going home now, not knowing whether there will be war or peace — we will see,” he said.