① U.S. President Trump canceled the trip of envoy Whitaker and son-in-law Kushner to Pakistan and Iran for negotiations, stating that the “journey would take too long and be a complete waste of time”; ② Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi concluded his visit to Pakistan and left for the next stop, Oman, clearly stating that there were no plans for talks with the U.S. during this visit.
Cailian Press, April 26 (edited by Niu Zhanlin) According to CCTV News, U.S. President Trump stated on Saturday local time that he had canceled the trip of Presidential Envoy Whitaker and son-in-law Kushner to Pakistan and Iran for negotiations.
Trump posted on social media: 'The journey takes too long, it’s a total waste of time, and there are many pressing matters to attend to. Moreover, there is serious infighting and chaos within their ‘leadership.’ They don’t even know who is in charge. Besides, we hold all the cards while they have nothing! If they want to talk, they just need to make a call!'
According to previous statements from the White House, Whitaker and Kushner were originally scheduled to travel to Pakistan earlier in the day to engage in 'direct talks' with Iranian officials.
Earlier on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi concluded his visit to Pakistan and departed for the next destination, Oman. Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday, and Iran clearly stated that there were no arrangements for talks with the U.S. during this visit.
Araghchi stated that his visit to Pakistan that day was fruitful, and Iran highly appreciated Pakistan's mediation and efforts to restore peace in the region. During this visit, he presented Iran's position to Pakistani officials regarding establishing a practical framework to permanently end the conflict in Iran. He also noted that it remains to be seen whether the U.S. is genuinely committed to diplomatic mediation.
Trump revealed on Friday that Iran would 'propose a plan,' but he was unclear about the specific details, adding, 'We will have to wait and see.'
The first round of peace talks held two weeks ago in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, was led by U.S. Vice President Vance but ultimately failed to reach an agreement. The U.S. delegation, including Vance, was originally scheduled to travel to Pakistan earlier this week for further negotiations, but the trip was postponed after Iranian officials reportedly indicated they would not attend.
A core issue dividing the two sides centers on the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil transportation channel. Due to threats from Iran and maritime blockades implemented by the U.S. last week, shipping traffic through the strait has significantly decreased.
Trump pointed out that the U.S. would not lift the blockade on Iranian ports before reaching an agreement with Iran. The U.S. continues to exert additional economic pressure on Tehran simultaneously.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday that the United States does not intend to renew the one-time sanctions waiver that previously allowed the purchase of Iranian crude oil at sea.
He added, 'It is not the Iranians who are in control; we are in control of the blockade, and no oil can be shipped out. We believe that within the next two to three days, they will have to start shutting down production, which will be very detrimental to their oil wells.'
These tensions have further shaken an already fragile ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire was announced on April 7, when Trump had threatened that if no agreement was reached, Iran's 'entire civilization would perish.'
Following Trump's announcement of the cancellation of the U.S. special envoy's trip to Pakistan, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that, given Hezbollah's 'continued violations of the ceasefire agreement,' he had ordered the Israel Defense Forces to launch a strong strike against Hezbollah targets within Lebanon.
Editor/Lee