Former US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Iran must initiate direct contact with Washington if it seeks to negotiate an end to the ongoing tensions between the two nations. This statement followed his decision to cancel a scheduled visit by his representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Islamabad, where they were expected to meet with Iranian officials.
Trump's Stance on Direct Negotiations
Speaking in an interview, Trump highlighted the simplicity of direct communication: "If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines." He reiterated a fundamental condition for any potential agreement, stating, "They know what has to be in the agreement. It's very simple: they cannot have a nuclear weapon, otherwise there's no reason to meet."
In a post on Truth Social, Trump elaborated on his reasons for canceling the envoys' trip, citing "too much time wasted on travelling, too much work!" He also pointed to "tremendous infighting and confusion within their 'leadership,'" suggesting that Iran's internal disarray made negotiations difficult. He asserted the US held a stronger negotiating position, claiming, "we have all the cards, they have none!"
Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Responses
The cancellation came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad, having met only with Pakistani officials. Despite the absence of US counterparts, Araghchi later returned to Pakistan for further diplomatic engagements. On X, Araghchi described his visit as "very fruitful," acknowledging Pakistan's "good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace."
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also confirmed engaging in a "most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation" with Araghchi. Sharif later spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming Pakistan's willingness to act as a "sincere and honest" facilitator for lasting peace in the region.
Iranian Lawmaker Questions Pakistan's Role
However, Pakistan's suitability as a mediator was publicly questioned by Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission. Rezaei stated on X that while Pakistan was a "good friend and neighbour," it was "not a suitable intermediary" due to its perceived alignment with US interests. He alleged that Islamabad avoids openly criticizing Washington and fails to highlight instances where the US did not fulfill commitments.
Meanwhile, Araghchi continued his diplomatic efforts in Islamabad, holding talks with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. Iranian media reports indicate that discussions are expanding beyond the nuclear issue to include proposals for a new legal framework for the Strait of Hormuz, compensation demands, guarantees against further military action, and the lifting of US maritime restrictions.