US President Donald Trump said he had instructed American envoys not to travel to Pakistan for further talks with Iran, shortly after Iran’s top diplomat departed Islamabad on Saturday evening.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said, “They can call us anytime they want,” according to Reuters. The White House had earlier stated on Friday that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Pakistan’s capital to revive ceasefire negotiations with Iran.
Two Pakistani officials told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media, that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad on Saturday evening.
During his visit, Araghchi met Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, discussing Iran’s “red lines” for negotiations. He said Tehran would continue engaging with Pakistan’s mediation efforts “until a result is achieved,” while insisting that any talks with the US would remain indirect.
Iran has repeatedly expressed mistrust of Washington after failed nuclear negotiations last year and earlier this year, which were followed by US and Israeli strikes.
Ahead of the expected talks, Islamabad was placed under tight security. Pakistan has been trying to bring both sides back to negotiations after Trump extended the ceasefire.
The White House earlier confirmed Witkoff and Kushner would meet Araghchi, but Iran insisted Pakistan would relay messages. Previous high-level talks and Geneva negotiations ended without agreement.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global energy supplies, with Brent crude nearly 50% higher than pre-war levels. Iran has attacked ships, while the US maintains a blockade. Germany is sending minesweepers to the Mediterranean amid the crisis.
