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Trump Cancels U.S. Envoys' Trip to Pakistan Amid Iran Conflict Negotiations
President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a diplomatic mission to Islamabad aimed at negotiating an end to the conflict with Iran, stating the U.S. holds a strong position. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed skepticism about U.S. efforts during visits to Pakistan and Oman. Meanwhile, Iraq faces a deadline to appoint a new prime minister amid political deadlock.
Apr 25, 1:29 PM·2m read2 sources
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U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he canceled a planned trip by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, Pakistan. The delegation was intended to engage in a second round of negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump stated on Truth Social that he made the decision to avoid wasting time on an 18-hour flight. Trump claimed that the Iranian leadership is suffering from tremendous infighting and confusion. U.S. ' Trump clarified to Axios that the cancellation does not signal an immediate intent to resume active warfare.
Trump suggested that negotiations could be conducted with equal efficiency over the phone, stating that the Iranians can reach out to us if they wish. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized that the top priority for Washington is imposing strict control over the Strait of Hormuz. -led naval blockade intended to apply maximum economic pressure on the Iranian regime.
Iraq faces a critical constitutional deadline to name a new Prime Minister by April 25-26, 2026. The Coordination Framework, Iraq's largest parliamentary bloc, has been unable to unify behind a single candidate. U.S. Veto and internal opposition. Ammar al-Hakim, head of the Iraqi Wisdom Movement, emphasized the absolute necessity of deciding on a new Prime Minister within the constitutional period, which expires this weekend.
Officials in Iraq have not issued further responses to al-Hakim's remarks as of April 25, 2026.
The Iraqi Wisdom Movement is a political group in Iraq, and al-Hakim's comments underscore the urgency of following legal timelines for government formation. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman following a visit to Pakistan. Araghchi described his visit to Pakistan as productive.
