Donald Trump Halts Envoys' Trip to Pakistan for Iran Talks

In a surprising move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, April 25, that he had decided to call off a planned trip by his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan. The purpose of their journey was to engage in a round of discussions with representatives from Iran.

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I don't see what interest we have in them making an 18-hour flight in the current situation (of negotiations). It's (a flight) too long. We can just as well manage by phone.

Trump explained his decision by stating that he had instructed his envoys not to undertake the "18-hour flight" given the current state of negotiations. He suggested that discussions could effectively continue over the phone, deeming the lengthy travel unnecessary. "I don't see what interest we have in them making an 18-hour flight in the current situation (of negotiations). It's (a flight) too long. We can just as well manage by phone," the President told Axios in a phone interview.

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no

Crucially, President Trump was quick to clarify that this cancellation does not indicate a renewed conflict or escalation with Iran. When questioned about whether the decision might signal an escalation, he firmly responded, "no," adding that such a scenario had not been considered. The President also stressed that Iran remains welcome to contact Washington "whenever they wish," underlining that the cancellation of this particular visit does not signify a shutdown of communication channels between the two nations. These remarks were made during separate phone conversations with journalists from Fox News and Axios.

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The Iranian side can contact Washington whenever they wish.