Graham supports Trump canceling Pakistan Iran talks, calls decision ‘very wise’
WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Lindsey Graham on Saturday, April 25, praised President Donald Trump for canceling a planned diplomatic mission to Pakistan aimed at restarting talks with Iran, calling the decision “very wise.”
The South Carolina Republican, one of the most vocal advocates for a hardline Iran policy, said the United States should instead focus on securing control over the Strait of Hormuz.
His remarks came as the Trump administration recalibrated its approach to negotiations amid uncertainty over Iran’s leadership structure.
Pentagon signals readiness; Iran warns on blockade
Graham publicly endorsed Trump’s decision to halt the planned visit by White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, where they were expected to meet Iranian representatives for another round of talks.
“President Trump’s decision to cancel the Witkoff-Kushner visit to Pakistan to pursue further negotiations with Iran at this time was very wise,” Graham wrote on X.
President Trump’s decision to cancel the Witkoff-Kushner visit to Pakistan to pursue further negotiations with Iran at this time was very wise. @POTUS has gone the extra mile when it comes to trying to find a diplomatic solution by extending the ceasefire, and the response from…
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 25, 2026
The senator also said Washington’s immediate strategic priority should be ensuring control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane that remains central to the ongoing US-Iran standoff.
“When it comes to achieving that goal, US military engagement may be required in the short term. It is more than worth the risk associated with regaining freedom of navigation of the strait,” Graham said.
Graham has remained one of the administration’s most influential voices on Iran policy and has consistently backed military pressure as a means of forcing Tehran into concessions.
He met with Trump at the White House earlier this week as the administration weighed whether to proceed with talks or increase pressure on Iran.
Trump cites Iran confusion, cancels Pakistan talks
Trump announced on Saturday, April 25, that he had personally canceled the planned trip by Witkoff and Kushner, saying internal divisions within Iran’s leadership made negotiations unproductive.
“I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians. Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work!”
Trump posted on social media, highlighting the “tremendous infighting and confusion within their leadership.” He noted that nobody, including those in charge, seems to know who is leading. Trump emphasized what he views as U.S. leverage over Tehran, stating, “We have all the cards; they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!”
The White House later confirmed Trump’s decision in comments shared with Fox News, where the president said he halted the trip shortly before his envoys were due to depart.
“I’ve told my people a little while ago, they were getting ready to leave, and I said, ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18 hour flight to go there,’” Trump said.
