US and Iran stuck in ‘game of diplomatic chicken’

Published April 27, 2026 4:58pm ET | Updated April 27, 2026 4:58pm ET



The likelihood of the United States and Iran coming to an agreement to settle the war took another hit over the weekend with President Donald Trump ordering his top diplomats to skip the planned meeting with their Iranian counterparts.

Trump announced on Saturday that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, would not travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for a planned meeting with Iranian officials. Earlier, the White House announced that Vice President JD Vance, who had led the American delegation for the first meeting, would not attend.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.