Trump Says Iran Offered Better Deal as Weekend Talks Collapse; Pakistan Cancels Negotiation Team Trip, Iran Foreign Minister Returns to Resume Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he had called off plans to send envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for talks with Iran, citing internal disagreements within Iran’s leadership and stating that Tehran’s latest offer was insufficient.

Trump said he made the decision after Iran’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, departed Islamabad following meetings with Pakistani officials. He stated that Iran had presented a new proposal shortly after the cancellation, describing it as “a lot, but not enough” to move forward with direct negotiations.

The president pointed to what he described as “tremendous infighting” within Iran’s government as a key reason for the breakdown in talks, suggesting that competing factions were hindering a unified approach to diplomacy. He added that he remains prepared to engage with whoever ultimately leads the country.

Trump also criticized the logistical burden of the planned trip, noting that sending envoys would require 16 to 17 hours of travel each way, which he deemed unnecessary given the ability to communicate directly. He emphasized that the U.S. Holds leverage in the situation and does not need to accommodate lengthy delays.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a separate call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said Tehran would not enter into “forced negotiations” while facing U.S. Pressure. He called for the removal of what he described as “operational obstacles,” including the U.S. Naval blockade affecting ships bound for Iranian ports, as a prerequisite for meaningful dialogue.

The stalled diplomacy comes amid broader regional tensions, including Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon and continued exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, despite a recently extended ceasefire. Economic strain in Iran has intensified due to the ongoing maritime restrictions, affecting food prices and employment.

As of Saturday, no further direct talks between U.S. And Iranian officials are scheduled, with both sides indicating that conditions for engagement remain unmet. The situation reflects a broader impasse in efforts to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic channels.