United States President Donald Trump said Iran could initiate negotiations by phone as diplomatic efforts to end the two-month conflict showed signs of stalling, even as Tehran continued regional outreach through Pakistan.
Trump on Saturday confirmed he had cancelled plans to send U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad after Iran’s chief negotiator departed the Pakistani capital following discussions with local officials only.
The trip had been intended to facilitate further engagement with Iranian representatives.
He noted in a post on Truth Social: “Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership.’ Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefly returned to Islamabad on Sunday as Pakistan’s political and military leadership sought to restart ceasefire negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
His visit followed confusion over a planned second round of talks after he had left the capital late Saturday, only to return before travelling onward to Moscow, according to Iranian state media.
Araghchi, who has been shuttling between mediating countries including Oman, signalled scepticism over Washington’s commitment to diplomacy.
In a post on X, he said: “Very fruitful visit to Pakistan, whose good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace to our region we very much value.”
He added: “Shared Iran’s position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy.”
The White House had earlier indicated it would dispatch Witkoff and Kushner to follow up on direct talks held earlier this month, but those plans were abandoned shortly after Araghchi’s departure from Islamabad.
Despite the diplomatic setbacks, a ceasefire agreed on 7 April remains in place after Trump extended it indefinitely last week.
The truce has largely halted hostilities that began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in late February, though a lasting resolution has yet to be secured.
The conflict has inflicted significant human and economic costs, with thousands reported killed and global markets disrupted.
The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has constrained shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas and fertilisers, intensifying pressure on global supply chains.
Tensions remain elevated, with both sides issuing warnings. According to Politico, Iran’s joint military command said on Saturday that “if the U.S. continues its aggressive military actions, including naval blockades, banditry, and piracy”, it would face a “strong response”.
Trump has also taken a hardline approach to maritime security, ordering U.S. forces to “shoot and kill” small boats suspected of laying mines in the key waterway.
The U.S. president further revealed that Iran had submitted a revised proposal shortly after he cancelled the Islamabad trip.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, he reportedly said Tehran delivered a “much better” offer within 10 minutes, though he provided no additional details.
Trump reiterated that any agreement would hinge on Iran abandoning its nuclear ambitions, stating the country “will not have a nuclear weapon”.
Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remains central to the dispute, with the United Nations nuclear watchdog estimating Tehran holds around 440 kilograms enriched to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels.
Analysts suggest the pause in talks does not necessarily signal a breakdown in diplomacy. Syed Mohammad Ali, an independent political analyst in Pakistan, told the Associated Press that delays should not be viewed as a setback, noting that indirect negotiations were continuing and would require time to yield results.
