LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- U.S. President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned visit by his envoys to Pakistan aimed at easing tensions with Iran, a decision that casts doubts over the already fragile diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The decision came just as Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, concluded meetings in Islamabad with key Pakistani leaders, including army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The talks were seen as part of a wider attempt to mediate between Tehran and Washington.
Earlier, the White House had indicated that senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Islamabad for direct discussions with Iranian representatives.
However, Trump later confirmed the trip had been scrapped.
“We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing,” Trump said, explaining his decision.
When asked whether the cancellation signaled a return to military action, he responded cautiously, saying, “No. It doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet.”
Meanwhile, Araghchi left Pakistan for Oman and is expected to continue diplomatic efforts in Russia.
He described his Islamabad visit as “very fruitful,” noting that Iran had presented ideas for a possible long-term solution.
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“Have yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy,” he wrote.
Despite these efforts, prospects for renewed talks remain uncertain.
Iranian state media suggested no direct meeting with U.S. officials was planned, with Pakistan instead, acting as an intermediary to pass messages.
Tensions remain high, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments that has been largely shut.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards signaled they intend to maintain control of the waterway, deepening concerns in global energy markets.
“Controlling the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the shadow of its deterrent effects over America and the White House’s supporters in the region is the definitive strategy of Islamic Iran,” the Guards said.
In response, the United States has enforced its own blockade on Iranian ports, prompting sharp warnings from Tehran.
Iran’s military command cautioned that continued U.S. actions would trigger retaliation.
Efforts to revive negotiations have stalled since earlier talks hosted in Pakistan, with Iran refusing to engage while the U.S. naval blockade remains in place.
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Only limited shipping traffic has been allowed through the strategic channel.
Raising alarm, European leader Antonio Costa urged immediate reopening of the waterway, saying, “This is vital for the entire world.”
Elsewhere in the region, the conflict continues to ripple into Lebanon.
Trump recently announced an extension of a ceasefire, but Hezbollah political leader Mohammed Raad rejected the idea of a lasting deal, warning it would not gain national support.
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of undermining peace efforts, stating that “it’s clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage” negotiations.
Violence has continued despite the truce as Lebanese authorities reported deadly strikes in the south, while civilians remain uncertain about what comes next.
In Sidon, a resident preparing to return home captured the mood of many caught in the conflict.
“We are going home now, not knowing whether there will be war or peace, we will see,” said 74-year-old Ahmad Shumar.
Uncertainty continues to define the situation, with diplomacy stalled and millions affected by the fragile state of negotiations.
