Iran: Negotiations collapse as Araghchi leaves Pakistan and Witkow, Kushner trips canceled

State media reported the departure just hours after Pakistani government sources stated that Araghchi had delivered Tehran’s negotiating positions to his Pakistani counterparts.

During his stay, the Iranian minister expressed clear reservations about American demands. As he stated, Tehran does not intend to accept maximalist demands from the United States.

The spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baghaei, emphasized that no direct meeting between Iran and the U.S. has been scheduled. He added that Iranian positions will reach Washington exclusively through Pakistani intermediaries.

Trump Cancels the Trip

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of the planned trip to Pakistan by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, sending a clear message to Tehran.

The two American envoys were set to participate in mediation efforts, but Trump gave no further explanation for his decision nor clarified whether the contacts will continue through other channels.

These developments indicate that the indirect talks through Pakistan did not lead to progress. The two sides remain distant, with Tehran insisting on its red lines and the American side adjusting its moves accordingly.

The Post on Truth Social

In a post on Truth Social on the afternoon of Saturday, April 25, 2026, the American president explained his decision and called on Iran to communicate with him directly if it wishes to negotiate. He stressed that even the Iranians themselves do not seem to know who truly controls the country.

“I just cancelled the trip of my representatives who were going to Islamabad,” Trump wrote. “Way too much time is wasted on travel.

There is intense internal conflict and confusion among their leadership. No one knows who is really in control, not even themselves. We have all the cards, they have none. If they want to talk, all they have to do is call.”