Donald Trump announced Saturday that he has canceled plans to send a U.S. delegation to Islamabad, Pakistan, for peace talks involving Iran, saying the trip would not be a productive use of time or resources, as reported by The New York Post.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going [to] Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians. Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership.’ Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”

The president also told a reporter in Islamabad to “come home” shortly after making the announcement.

According to the report, the White House had not responded earlier Saturday to questions about when Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were expected to depart for Pakistan. Both had been identified as part of the delegation scheduled to engage in talks mediated by Pakistani officials.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

MORE NEWS: “Democrats Are Freaking Out” After Supreme Court Issues Their ‘Voting Rights Act’ Decision [WATCH]

Trump later addressed the decision while speaking with reporters in West Palm Beach, emphasizing concerns over travel time and logistics.

“There’s no reason to wait two days, have people traveling for 16, 17 hours, and we’re not doing it that way,” Trump said. “When they want, they can call me.”

When asked what prompted the change after earlier signals from the White House suggesting optimism, Trump said a revised proposal from Tehran had been received after the cancellation.

“It’s just that they gave us a paper that should have been better. And interestingly, immediately, when I canceled it, within 10 minutes, we got a new paper that was much better,” he said, without offering additional details.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

Following ongoing debates over border security and immigration policy in 2026, do you support stricter enforcement measures?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from Objectivist.co, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Trump also referenced costs associated with international travel as a factor in his decision. “Traveling takes too long, too expensive. I’m a very cost-conscious person,” he said.

The Iranian delegation had previously met with Pakistani mediators, including Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif. Tehran had also indicated plans for additional stops in Russia and Oman as part of its diplomatic efforts.

Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Kushner and Witkoff “will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in talks, direct talks intermediated by the Pakistanis” with Iranian representatives.

The most recent round of negotiations, led by J.D. Vance, concluded on April 12 without an agreement after 21 hours of discussions.

Close

MORE NEWS: Watch Pro-Abortion Witness Squirm as Rep. Brandon Gill Reads the Grisly Truth About Abortion Procedures [WATCH]

The decision to cancel the trip came as Trump traveled to Mar-a-Lago for a Republican National Committee event and a cryptocurrency gathering. He was also expected to return to Washington later Saturday for the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Tensions in the Middle East remain elevated following a cease-fire agreement reached on April 8, which officials have described as tenuous.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.