WASHINGTON — In a major shift in diplomatic strategy, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, April 26, 2026, that American and Iranian officials can negotiate a peace solution via telephone rather than in-person meetings.
The statement comes just 24 hours after a highly anticipated diplomatic summit in Islamabad fell apart. Speaking on Fox News Channel, Trump revealed he decided against sending a U.S. delegation on a “17-hour flight,” asserting that the United States currently holds “all the cards.”
The Collapse of the Islamabad Summit
Negotiations aimed at de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East reached a stalemate on Saturday.
- Tehran’s Departure: Iran’s top diplomat exited Pakistan after talks hit a wall.
- Trump’s Directive: President Trump subsequently ordered U.S. envoys not to travel to Islamabad, effectively ending the face-to-face mediation efforts hosted by Pakistan.
- The “Phone Call” Pivot: “If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us,” Trump stated, though he did not provide a specific timeline for any scheduled communication.
Friction with NATO and the Hormuz Crisis
The President also used the interview to intensify his criticism of NATO, expressing deep disappointment over the alliance’s lack of support during the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
- Lack of Support: Trump argued that NATO members failed to assist the U.S. after Iran effectively shut the vital waterway, crippling global oil flows.
- Withdrawal Threats: Reiterating a long-standing grievance, he suggested the U.S. may consider leaving the military alliance. “We’ve been serving them for many years, spending trillions of dollars… when we wanted help, they were not there,” Trump remarked.
Global Market Context
The breakdown in formal talks and the ongoing “dual blockade” in the Strait of Hormuz have kept global energy markets on edge. With Brent Crude peaking at $126 per barrel earlier this year, the shift toward “phone diplomacy” adds a new layer of uncertainty for international shipping and security experts who were hoping for a formal, signed ceasefire.