The diplomatic push to end the war with Iran took a turn toward uncertainty Saturday as President Donald Trump canceled a high-stakes mission to Pakistan, grounding top negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The decision came just as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was seen departing Islamabad, signaling a total collapse of what was supposed to be a critical second round of negotiations.
Speaking to Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie, President Trump made it clear that the 18-hour flight to Pakistan was no longer on the table.
“I told my people… ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18-hour flight to go there,'” Trump said. “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.”
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Strategy Huddle at the White House
The President is scheduled to meet with his top national security advisors Monday to decide the fate of the current ceasefire.
The primary focus of the meeting will be whether to resume the U.S. bombing campaign—part of “Operation Epic Fury”—which has been largely paused since the truce began on April 8. While Trump has publicly expressed a desire to avoid returning to active conflict, the military option remains a live threat.
Sources familiar with the situation indicate that the trip was scrapped because Iran’s latest negotiating proposal, delivered through Pakistani mediators, failed to meet White House expectations. Although Tehran reportedly sent a revised 10-point document immediately after the cancellation was announced, the President remained unconvinced.
Obstacles to a Deal
The current deadlock appears rooted in two major sticking points:
- Concession Clarity: The administration remains skeptical of Iran’s willingness to meet “red line” demands regarding its nuclear program and the total reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Leadership Confusion: White House officials have expressed private concerns over who in Tehran actually has the authority to sign off on a binding agreement following the recent death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the subsequent selection of his son as successor.
READ: Trump To Iran: We Have Phones, Use Them
While the diplomats remain miles apart, the global economy continues to feel the squeeze. Iran has maintained a tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. continues a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Today’s White House briefing is expected to be the final word on whether the ceasefire holds or if the U.S. will pivot back to a “maximum pressure” military stance.
For now, the message from Washington is simple: the ball is in Tehran’s court, and the U.S. is waiting for the phone to ring.
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