Iran questions US commitment to diplomacy after Trump cancels envoys’ Pakistan trip

Iran has raised fresh doubts over the United States’ commitment to diplomacy after President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled a planned visit by American envoys to Pakistan for talks with Tehran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it remains unclear whether Washington is “truly serious about diplomacy,” following the cancellation of the trip that was expected to revive negotiations.

The US had earlier planned to send envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Islamabad for discussions mediated by Pakistan.

However, Trump called off the visit, citing a lack of progress and questioning the value of long-distance travel for talks that might not materialise.

Trump indicated that discussions could instead take place remotely, stating that Iran could initiate contact if it wished to engage further.

The development comes amid stalled negotiations following an earlier round of talks that failed to produce a breakthrough. Iran has maintained that any engagement would depend on key conditions, including relief from US pressure measures, while also signalling reluctance to enter direct talks under current circumstances.

Araghchi, who recently visited Islamabad and met Pakistani leadership, said he had presented a framework for ending the conflict but suggested that Washington’s actions were not aligned with meaningful diplomatic intent.

Pakistan has been playing a mediating role between the two sides, hosting earlier discussions and attempting to sustain dialogue.

However, the cancellation of the US delegation’s visit has added uncertainty to the process and raised questions about the future of negotiations.

The situation unfolds against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire following weeks of conflict, with tensions persisting over issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme, regional conflicts and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

With both sides maintaining firm positions, prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough remain uncertain, even as backchannel efforts continue.