Trump cancels Iran talks delegation as minister leaves
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- Trump canceled the planned trip of envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Islamabad, calling it “too much work.”
- Abbas Araghchi left Islamabad on Saturday after delivering Iran’s stance that a workable framework to end the war depends on lifting the US naval blockade.
- NBC News reported that US military bases and equipment in the Persian Gulf sustained damage from Iranian strikes costing billions to repair.
- Jeremy Scahill noted that Iran continues to prepare new retaliatory capabilities, including in the Strait of Hormuz, despite US claims of seeking talks.
- Sina Toossi argued the war was a “tactical and strategic disaster,” with the Gulf damage undermining the administration’s narrative.
Why it matters: Trump’s cancellation weakens US diplomatic leverage while Iran holds its red line, and the Pentagon faces billions in repair costs for Gulf assets, further emboldening Tehran’s aggressive posture.
