The ceasefire in the Middle East is at a turning point, as Tehran is hardening its stance toward the United States, rejecting—for now—direct talks with the Americans.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, and the Iranian delegation left Pakistan following talks, according to state media.

Earlier, Pakistani government sources said that during his visit, Araghchi presented Tehran’s negotiating positions to Pakistani officials and outlined Iran’s reservations regarding U.S. demands.

The head of Iranian diplomacy warned that Tehran would not accept “maximalist demands” from the United States.

His spokesperson, Ismail Baghaei, stated via X that no meeting has been scheduled between Iran and the U.S., and that Iran’s positions will be conveyed to the American side through Pakistani mediators.

At the same time, however, Pakistani sources speaking to CBS News tried to suggest that talks have not collapsed, saying that Araghchi may return to Islamabad on Sunday or Monday for a second round of talks with the U.S.

Trump: “We hold all the cards”

The White House had earlier announced that the two U.S. envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, would travel to Pakistan today. However, after Araghchi’s departure, Donald Trump told Fox News that he canceled their trip.

“I told my people just before they were about to leave, ‘No, you’re not going to make an 18-hour flight to go there. We hold all the cards. They can call us whenever they want, but you’re not going to take more 18-hour flights just to sit and talk about nothing,’” the U.S. president said.

Abbas Araghchi: “We need to see if the U.S. is truly serious”

In a post on X, Abbas Araghchi noted that he had a “very productive visit to Pakistan” the previous day, highlighting the country’s “brotherly efforts to restore peace in our region, which we greatly appreciate.”

He also expressed doubts about Washington’s sincerity in seeking a negotiated resolution to the conflict:
“We need to see whether the United States is truly serious about diplomacy.”