April 25, 2026
US President Donald Trump said he ordered envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff not to travel to Islamabad for planned talks with Iranian officials, telling Fox News he halted their 18-hour flight and insisting the onus was on Tehran. Trump said the US “has all the cards” and that Iran could call anytime, adding on Truth Social that there was “tremendous infighting and confusion” in Iran’s leadership.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Islamabad after meeting Pakistani officials but without direct talks with US envoys. Iran has publicly ruled out direct negotiations with US representatives and has questioned whether Washington is “truly serious” about diplomacy. Iranian state media said part of Araghchi’s delegation returned to Tehran to consult on ending the war and would rejoin him in Islamabad; Araghchi is scheduled to visit Oman and then Russia.
Pakistan reaffirmed its role as a mediator. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad remained committed to serving as an “honest and sincere facilitator” to advance durable peace, and noted he had spoken to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Araghchi met Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and other senior officials while in Islamabad.
Iran’s Defense Ministry and military issued forceful statements amid the diplomatic activity. The military warned the US it would respond if the reported US naval blockade of Iranian ports continued, calling the blockade “banditry” and “piracy.” The Defense Ministry also said Iran still retains a significant missile inventory and that domestic arms production continues, though independent verification is not possible.
Domestically, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged citizens to conserve electricity amid severe supply bottlenecks, blaming attacks on infrastructure and an economic “siege.” Commercial flights resumed from Tehran’s international airport for the first time since the conflict began, with services to Istanbul, Muscat and Medina reported by state television.
Regional and international developments related to the conflict:
– Israel carried out strikes in southern Lebanon that Lebanese authorities said killed four people, despite a ceasefire that had been extended. Israel warned residents not to return to areas near the border.
– Turkey said it could consider joining multinational efforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz if a peace deal were reached, while stressing it would not participate in operations that made it a party to renewed fighting.
– Germany announced plans to pre-deploy a minehunting vessel and a command-and-supply ship to the Mediterranean in preparation for a possible role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, conditioned on a sustained ceasefire, a legal mandate and parliamentary approval.
Other notable items:
– Iran said it executed an Iranian man, identified by semi-official media as Erfan Kiani, accusing him of working for Israel’s Mossad and of involvement in vandalism and violence during January anti-government protests. Iranian authorities have increased executions in recent weeks.
– Iran’s state media and officials have characterized US moves — including a naval blockade and pressure on ports — as reasons for Iran’s reluctance to engage in direct talks.
A ceasefire mediated by Pakistan has kept large-scale fighting on hold since April 8, but diplomatic efforts to reach a durable settlement face significant mistrust and competing demands.