Trump Cancels Envoy Trip to Pakistan Amid Iran Peace Talks Standoff

President Donald Trump canceled a planned trip by his top envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for negotiations with Iran over ending the war, citing inefficiencies in the process and claiming the United States holds all leverage in the talks.

The decision was announced on Saturday, April 25, 2026, just before the envoys were set to depart for Islamabad. Trump stated that holding the talks in person would require excessive travel time, with officials facing 16 to 17 hours of transit, which he deemed unnecessary.

Trump said he informed the envoys to return, adding that negotiations could continue by phone. He claimed that immediately after canceling the trip, Iran sent a new proposal that he described as “much better” than the previous offer, though he characterized it as offering “a lot, but not enough.”

The president attributed delays in the negotiation process to internal divisions within Iran’s leadership, suggesting that factions were competing for influence or even avoiding leadership roles due to recent setbacks. He said he remains prepared to negotiate with whoever is in charge in Tehran.

Trump emphasized that the United States holds a strong position in the negotiations, stating repeatedly that “we have all the cards” and that the country has “won everything” in its approach to Iran. He suggested that Iran’s internal struggles have weakened its position, allowing the U.S. To dictate terms.

The cancellation underscores the ongoing challenges in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, with Trump favoring direct communication over extended diplomatic missions when he perceives inefficiencies or lack of progress.