U.S. Media: Vance Temporarily Shelves Plans to Visit Pakistan for Talks with Iran
On April 21, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington (reporters Huang Qiang and Xu Jianmei) that according to multiple informed sources, U.S. Vice President Vance has temporarily shelved plans to depart for Pakistan to negotiate with Iran after holding a series of intensive meetings at the White House.
The report stated that one informed source indicated that although Vance may still depart for Pakistan later this week, possibly as early as that evening, President Trump is privately discussing the possibility of completely canceling the trip. The source pointed out that the reason is Iran's unwillingness to make concessions on the issue of enriched uranium. Another informed source stated that this decision was made because Iran refused to commit to participating in negotiations.
Previously, The New York Times quoted U.S. officials as saying that Vance's planned trip to Pakistan had been suspended due to Iran's failure to respond to the U.S. negotiating position. However, the visit has not been canceled. Once approved by Trump, the trip could be restarted at any time.
The report also mentioned that, meanwhile, the Pentagon has been reviewing relevant military options and simulating various scenarios. The U.S. maintains a large military presence in the Middle East, ready to launch a new round of strikes at any time.
According to CNN, the White House is expected to hold a policy meeting that afternoon. Currently, the main U.S. negotiator with Iran, Vance, U.S. presidential envoy Hook, and Trump's son-in-law Kushner have all arrived at the White House, and Secretary of Defense Esper and Secretary of State Rubio have also arrived at the White House in succession.
On the 21st, Trump stated that he does not wish to extend the ceasefire agreement with Iran, and the U.S. military is prepared for combat, ready to resume bombing Iran after the ceasefire expires. Trump previously stated that the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran would expire at "10 PM Washington time on the 22nd."
U.S. Vice President Vance postponed his planned trip to Pakistan for negotiations with Iran on April 21, 2023, due to Iran's refusal to compromise on uranium enrichment. President Trump is privately discussing the possibility of canceling the trip entirely. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reviewing military options as the U.S. maintains a significant military presence in the Middle East, prepared for potential action following the expiration of a ceasefire agreement.
- U.S. Vice President Vance postponed his trip to Pakistan for negotiations with Iran.
- The postponement is due to Iran's refusal to compromise on uranium enrichment.
- President Trump is considering canceling the trip altogether.
- The Pentagon is reviewing military options in the region.
- The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in the Middle East.