ISLAMABAD – Hopes for a de-escalation in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran were dashed Saturday as the latest ceasefire talks faltered before they could begin. Iran's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, departed Pakistan, and President Donald Trump announced he had instructed U.S. envoys not to travel to Islamabad.

These crucial negotiations were intended to build upon historic face-to-face discussions held earlier in April between U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. However, the fragile progress was undermined by deep-seated mistrust, with Iranian officials expressing skepticism about U.S. intentions following the imposition of blockades on Iranian ports by U.S. forces in response to Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump announced his decision via social media, stating, "If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!" He further elaborated, "Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work!"

Araghchi confirmed his departure from Pakistan on Saturday evening, with two Pakistani officials speaking anonymously to The Associated Press. In a social media post, Araghchi stated, "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."

Earlier in the week, the White House had indicated that special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would be dispatched to Islamabad for the talks.

Amidst the stalled diplomatic efforts, another ceasefire, this one between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, was reportedly shaken, with both sides exchanging fire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to "vigorously attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon."

Pakistan has been actively mediating between the U.S. and Iran, particularly since President Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire, accommodating Islamabad's request for additional diplomatic engagement.

Previous rounds of talks have been contentious, with key issues including Iran's enriched uranium program, the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's missile program, and its support for regional proxies.

Despite the setback, Trump later informed journalists that Iran had presented a "much better" proposal shortly after he canceled the envoys' trip, though details were not disclosed. A primary condition for the U.S. remains Iran's commitment to not possessing nuclear weapons.