Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistani mediator sources said work has not halted to bridge gaps between the United States and Iran, despite the failure of face-to-face diplomacy after President Donald Trump called off a trip by his envoys and urged Iran to call when it wants a deal.
Envoy trip canceled as diplomacy shifts
Hopes of reviving peace efforts receded after Trump scrapped a planned visit on Saturday by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi shuttled in and out twice over the weekend.
Araqchi, who also visited Oman, arrived on Monday in Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin, a longstanding ally.
Key issues and oil market reaction
With the sides still seemingly far apart on issues including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and access through the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices rose when trade reopened on Monday. Brent crude was up around 2.5% at about $108 a barrel.
Trump told Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing” that Iran could come to the United States or call, adding that the United States has “nice, secure lines.” He said Iran knows what has to be in the agreement and that it cannot have a nuclear weapon.
Islamabad reopens after lockdown
Streets reopened in Islamabad after being locked down for a week in anticipation of talks that did not take place. A luxury hotel that had been cleared out to serve as a venue resumed taking reservations from the public.
Pakistani officials said negotiations were continuing remotely, with no plans for an in-person meeting until the sides are close enough to sign a memorandum. A Pakistani source familiar with the negotiations said the draft would be negotiated remotely until there is some consensus.
What do you think would need to change for the United States and Iran to return to face-to-face talks?
