ISLAMABAD — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran and canceled a planned trip by his envoys to Islamabad. The White House had said Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would be traveling to the Pakistani capital for negotiations.
"Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work!" Trump said. "If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!"
Trump told journalists that within 10 minutes of him canceling the envoys' trip to Pakistan, Iran sent a "much better" proposal. The negotiations were meant to follow face-to-face talks earlier this month between the United States, led by Vice President JD Vance, and Iran, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
In Pakistan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Iran's red lines for negotiations. Araghchi left the Pakistani capital on Saturday evening, according to Pakistani officials.
"Shared Iran's position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy." Araghchi said.
Iran's joint military command warned that if the U.S. continues its aggressive military actions, including naval blockades, banditry, and piracy, it will face a strong response. The U.S. maintains a blockade on Iranian ports. Trump also ordered the military to "shoot and kill" small boats that could be placing mines. Iran attacked three ships in recent days.
The ceasefire has paused most fighting, but the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas, fertilizer, and other supplies. At least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, according to authorities. Thirteen U.S. service members in the region have been killed since the war began.