Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - President Donald Trump has abruptly cancelled the planned trip of top US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for Iran peace talks, calling it a "waste of time" amid stalled negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said he instructed the team not to board an 18 hour flight to sit around talking about nothing, insisting the US holds all the cards and Iran can call anytime if serious about dialogue. Despite the pullback, Trump clarified that military operations against Iran will not resume immediately, maintaining the indefinite ceasefire.

The cancellation came hours after Iran's delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, concluded separate meetings in Islamabad without direct US contact. Trump lambasted Iran's infighting and confusion, accusing factions of failing to produce a unified proposal on nuclear limits and maritime access demanded by Washington. The White House had announced the envoys' travel Friday, but Trump overruled it Saturday, prioritising efficiency over travel. Pakistan's mediation efforts sparked by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir's personal appeals yielded the ceasefire extension but hit a wall on substance.

Trump's envoy cancellation signals frustration with Iran's indirect approach and internal divisions, shifting leverage back to the US naval blockade while keeping the ceasefire intact. Tehran now faces a stark choice: unify for talks or risk escalation as the diplomatic window narrows. The move underscores Trump's deal making style maximum pressure with open lines potentially forcing Iran's hand or prolonging the tense standoff in Hormuz.