Iran’s top diplomat returns to Pakistan despite Trump canceling envoys’ visit

 

What we're covering

• Trip canceled: President Donald Trump scrapped plans for a US delegation to visit Pakistan, saying talks will continue by phone after Iran declined to meet directly with American negotiators. Trump said he’s since received a new proposal from Tehran, offering “a lot but not enough.” He did not provide details.

• Stalled peace effort: Iran’s foreign minister, who just held talks in Oman after meeting with Pakistani mediators Saturday, said it’s not clear if Washington is “truly serious about diplomacy.” Negotiations have hit repeated roadblocks, with Trump blaming “infighting” in Tehran.

• Economic standoff: In the absence of a deal, a US naval blockade is causing rising food prices and unemployment for everyday Iranians, while Tehran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has economic ripple effects around the world.

• In Lebanon: Meanwhile, Israel has launched more deadly strikes on southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement recently extended by three weeks. Iran-backed Hezbollah has fired rockets into Israel.