Shafaq News- Washington (Updated at 19:58)

The US delegation will not meet Iranian negotiators in Pakistan, US President Donald Trump told Fox News on Sunday, arguing that envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would not make an 18-hour trip “to talk about nothing.”

Earlier today, Axios reported that prospects for a breakthrough in negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain unclear, with diplomatic contacts still uncertain and delegations yet to meet.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif focused on efforts tied to a potential permanent ceasefire. He left before the arrival of the US delegation, previously scheduled to reach the Pakistani capital on Sunday. Axios also stated that Araghchi could return to Pakistan early next week if arrangements are finalized for discussions with Washington.

Islamabad had been expected to host a new round of talks between US and Iranian delegations in recent days, but the meeting did not take place following an escalation between the two sides.

Read more: US-Iran talks collapse; Analysts warn of high escalation risk as ceasefire deadline nears