Iran’s foreign minister revisited Islamabad for further discussions yesterday amidst efforts to maintain peace negotiations following the cancellation of a planned trip by US President Donald Trump’s envoys. According to the Iranian news agency ISNA, Abbas Araghchi engaged with Pakistani officials to communicate Iran’s stances on achieving a comprehensive resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. Araghchi had previously been in Islamabad the day before, then proceeded to Oman, while other Iranian envoys returned to Tehran for consultations and guidance on matters concerning conflict resolution.
Prior to the Iran-Pakistan meetings on Saturday, the White House had disclosed that Trump’s peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were set to depart for Pakistan for further talks. However, Trump later announced on Fox News that he had called off the trip, citing a lack of progress in negotiations. Despite Trump questioning Tehran’s negotiation stance, he mentioned that Iran promptly revised its proposal following his decision.
Trump clarified that cancelling the trip did not signify a return to hostilities and emphasized a focus on winning the conflict. US security equipment was withdrawn from Islamabad, indicating a delay in future talks. Subsequently, US Air Force C-17s carrying security personnel and equipment exited Pakistan.
On Truth Social, Trump highlighted internal discord within Iran’s leadership and emphasized the US’s advantageous position in negotiations. Araghchi met with key Pakistani officials before proceeding to Moscow, expressing cautiousness about US sincerity in diplomatic efforts.
Tensions escalated as the vital oil and gas route, the Strait of Hormuz, remained closed. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards affirmed their commitment to controlling the strait, prompting the US to impose a blockade on Iranian ports. Iran’s military warned of retaliatory measures against continued US interference.
In a separate development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, accusing the group of violating a ceasefire agreement. Israeli military actions were reported in southern Lebanon despite the extended ceasefire, with casualties reported in Kfar Tibnit. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s right to respond to imminent threats under the terms of the ceasefire agreement.