US-Iran peace process hits snag as Trump cancels trip of envoys, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan

U.S. President Donald Trump has called off a scheduled visit to Pakistan by special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to hold peace talks with Iran, Fox News reported Saturday, marking yet another obstacle in the peace negotiation process between the two rivals.

According to the news agency, the U.S. president informed the station about the cancellation of the visit.

"About an hour or so ago, I told my people, you know, they were getting ready to leave, and I said, 'Nope, you're not making an 18-hour flight to go there. 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 Fox News White House correspondent quoted the president as saying.

Asked by Axios if he meant that he would go back to fighting, Trump answered: "No. That does not mean that at all. We have not even thought about it yet."

Then, Trump, in an announcement posted on his social media page, called Truth Social, revealed the reason for taking such a drastic decision.

"I just cancelled the visit of our representatives to Islamabad, Pakistan, where we were supposed to meet with the Iranians. So much time spent traveling, so much work!" he wrote.

Moreover, he revealed that there was uncertainty about Iran's leadership as well. "In addition, there are lots of conflicts and chaos among their 'leaders.' They themselves do not know who they should address," he wrote in another post.

Trump further added that America was in a better position in such a case. "We've got all the cards; they have none. If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!"

FM Dar said the talks lasted around two hours and PM Shehbaz emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Araghchi himself said on X: "Very fruitful visit to Pakistan, whose good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace to our region we very much value. Shared Iran's position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy."

Iran said the talks covered bilateral ties, regional and international developments, and expanding cooperation.

"Araghchi thanked Pakistan’s efforts on ceasefire and hosting talks, reaffirmed Iran’s stance on ending the war, and stressed stronger ties with neighbours. Sharif emphasised continued cooperation in bilateral and multilateral arenas."