ISLAMABAD: Donald Trump on Sunday signalled that peace talks between Washington and Tehran would continue — but over the phone — a day after cancelling his team’s visit to Islamabad due to Iran’s reluctance to engage in dialogue.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said he had halted US diplomatic travel for the talks, telling Iran it could either call or come to Washington instead.
“We have all the cards,” he said, adding that the US would not send representatives on an 18-hour journey to Pakistan while holding the stronger negotiating position. “They know what has to be in the agreement… They cannot have a nuclear weapon, otherwise there’s no reason to meet,” he said, while stressing that the move did not signal a return to hostilities.
The US president also praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue, saying he had “great respect for Pakistan” and that Islamabad would remain part of the process. “We are going to do it by telephone,” he added regarding talks with Iran.
Meanwhile, Reza Amiri Moghadam expressed gratitude to Pakistan in a post, thanking Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir for their efforts to end the war and promote lasting peace in the region. He also acknowledged the arrangements made for Abbas Araghchi’s visit.
The statements came after Araghchi departed Islamabad for Moscow, following a trip to Muscat where he met Omani leadership.
The Iranian foreign minister had earlier made a brief stop in Islamabad, where he met the army chief and the prime minister to convey Iran’s response to US proposals.
On Sunday, Araghchi held further meetings with Pakistani officials, sharing “Iran’s positions and views on the framework of any understanding to completely end the war” before leaving for Moscow.
Iranian media later clarified that his second visit to Islamabad was not linked to nuclear talks, but rather part of ongoing consultations, according to Al Jazeera.
Following Trump’s remarks, it became clear that Islamabad would not host the next round of talks for now, and movement restrictions in the twin cities were lifted.
A late-night announcement by Ishaq Dar confirmed the easing of restrictions, indicating that visiting delegations had departed.
Dar said that security measures around the Serena Hotel and the Red Zone had been lifted, thanking residents for their “patience and cooperation” after days of traffic disruptions and roadblocks.
Earlier, two US Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying security personnel and equipment left Pakistan, according to government sources cited by Reuters.
Araghchi’s Engagements
In Muscat, Araghchi briefed Haitham bin Tariq on Iran’s perspective regarding regional developments and peace efforts, Oman’s foreign ministry said.
The Omani leader emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in strengthening peace in the region.
According to Reuters, Iran’s foreign ministry said discussions also covered security in the Strait of Hormuz, with Araghchi calling for a regional security framework free from external interference.
Meanwhile, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call with Araghchi, during which both sides discussed efforts to enhance regional peace and stability, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Araghchi also engaged with regional counterparts, including Badr Abdelatty, with Iran’s IRNA reporting discussions on diplomacy, ceasefire efforts, and regional developments.
He further spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, discussing ongoing diplomatic processes and regional issues, according to Iranian state media.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also held talks with Araghchi, focusing on developments in Iran–US negotiations, while separately engaging with US negotiators, Reuters reported.
Hormuz Blockade Deepens
Pressure to end the war has intensified as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, disrupting global energy markets.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had no intention of lifting the blockade, declaring: “Controlling the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining its deterrent effect over America and its regional allies is the definitive strategy of Islamic Iran.”
The IRGC also warned of a “beyond expectation” response to any further aggression, cautioning that restraint could quickly turn into a “hellish storm” if provoked, according to IRNA.
Meanwhile, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it intercepted a merchant vessel attempting to pass through the blockade. The ship, identified as Sevan, was reportedly part of a 19-vessel “shadow fleet” transporting Iranian oil and gas, Reuters reported.
Since the blockade began, 37 ships have been redirected, according to US military officials.
Separately, Keir Starmer and Trump discussed the urgent need to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call, Al Jazeera reported, citing a Downing Street spokesperson.
The British prime minister also shared updates on a joint initiative with Emmanuel Macron to restore freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.