ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: President Trump said on Sunday that Iran could call Iran if it wants to negotiate an end to the war waged by the United States and Israel when its foreign minister returns to Pakistan for talks in the absence of his US counterpart. Hopes for reviving peace efforts had faded earlier after Trump canceled a visit to Islamabad by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, although Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi continued to shuttle between mediating countries. “If they want to talk, they can come to us or they can call us. There are phones. We have good, secure lines,” Trump said in an interview on Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing.” He added: “They know what has to be in the agreement. Simple: they can’t have nuclear weapons, otherwise there would be no reason to meet. “ Speaking in Florida, Trump said he canceled the envoy’s visit because he believed Iran’s offer was insufficient and resulted in excessive travel and expenses. Trump said Iran “offered a lot, but not enough.” Two U.S. Air Force C-17s carrying security personnel, equipment and vehicles used to protect U.S. officials flew out of Pakistan after a recent diplomatic visit was canceled, two Pakistani government sources said on Sunday. After the talks in Pakistan, Araghchi flew to Oman – another mediator in the war – where he met with the country’s leader Haitham bin Tariq Said on Sunday. According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, they discussed security issues in the strait, with Araghchi calling for the establishment of a regional security framework free from outside interference. Araghchi meets Munir Araghchi then returned to Islamabad on Sunday and met with Pakistan Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, local media reported. After talks with Munir, Araghchi went to Moscow. Pakistan made no official announcement about the meeting, which was clearly focused on ongoing peace efforts in Islamabad. Iran’s ISNA news agency quoted Tehran Ambassador Kazim Jalali as saying: “Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.” Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Araghchi’s talks with Pakistani officials were expected to include “implementing a new legal regime in the Strait of Hormuz, obtaining compensation, guarantees that militants will no longer launch military aggression, and lifting the naval blockade.” Iran’s leadership in disarray Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a phone call that Tehran would not enter “forced negotiations” under threat, according to the Iranian government. Pezeshkian said the United States should first remove obstacles, including a naval blockade, before negotiators can begin laying the groundwork for a solution.
