US President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned trip by his envoys to Pakistan for peace talks with Iran, stating there was no point in negotiations given Tehran's initial stance. Trump indicated that a revised proposal was received shortly after his decision to scrap the visit, describing it as "much better."
Despite the cancellation, Trump stated that hostilities would not immediately resume, adding, "No, it doesn't mean that. We haven't thought about it yet."
The envoys, including Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, were en route to Pakistan for discussions aimed at moving towards a deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had just concluded a visit to Islamabad, meeting with Pakistani officials who are acting as mediators. Araghchi described his trip as "fruitful" but expressed skepticism about US intentions.
Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, impacting global energy markets. Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated control of the waterway is a "definitive strategy." The US has imposed a blockade of Iranian ports in retaliation.
On the Lebanese front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on Hezbollah targets following accusations of ceasefire violations. The strikes resulted in casualties, with Israel reporting the elimination of several Hezbollah operatives.