25.04.2026 21:12
US President Donald Trump announced that he unilaterally canceled the visit of Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to Pakistan's capital Islamabad as part of ceasefire negotiations with Iran. Trump stated, 'I told my team: We have all the cards. They can call us whenever they want. You won't make 18-hour flights to sit around and talk about nothing anymore.'
After Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Pakistan, the White House had announced that the US would send a delegation consisting of President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to Islamabad as part of negotiations with Tehran. However, Trump announced that he had canceled this visit.
"I UNILATERALLY CANCELED IT" Speaking to FOX News about the process and relaying the instructions he gave to his team, Trump said, "Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are not going to Pakistan. I unilaterally canceled it." Emphasizing that there is no need for a long journey to meet with the Iranian side, Trump stated, "A while ago, I told my team to prepare to leave. Then I said, 'No, you don't need to take an 18-hour flight to go there. We hold all the cards. They can call us anytime they want; you will no longer take 18-hour flights to sit around and talk about nothing.'"
IRAN: IF THEY ATTACK AGAIN, WE WILL INFLICT HEAVIER PENALTIES Meanwhile, the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a stern warning regarding US activities in the region. In a written statement from the headquarters, it was said, "If the aggressive US army continues its blockade, piracy, and maritime banditry activities in the region, let it be assured that Iran's powerful armed forces will respond decisively." Noting that the US military has previously experienced a portion of Iran's military capacity in past conflicts, the statement added, "The US should know that the Iranian Armed Forces are stronger and more prepared than ever to defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests." Emphasizing that developments in the region are closely monitored, the statement said, "We are ready and determined to maintain the strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz by monitoring the movements and activities of enemies in the region. In the event of another attack by the US and Zionist enemies, we will inflict heavier damage on them."
NEGOTIATION PROCESS TURNS INTO A TALL STORY It is unclear when the US and Iran will hold the second round of negotiations. Despite Iran announcing that it has no plans to meet with the US under current conditions, the US administration had claimed that talks would be held with Iran in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, and that US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would participate.
Kushner and Witkoff ARAGHCHI LEAVES PAKISTAN AFTER MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER SHARIF The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left the capital Islamabad after contacts with Pakistani officials without engaging in direct talks with the US. According to local sources, before leaving the country, the Iranian delegation presented Pakistani officials with a list containing official demands for ending the conflicts between Iran, the US, and Israel.
As part of his engagements in Pakistan, Araghchi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting, also attended by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Marshal Asim Munir, discussed bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and regional and international developments.
According to Araghchi's statement yesterday, the Iranian minister is also expected to visit Oman's capital Muscat and Russia's capital Moscow and hold talks with senior officials.