WASHINGTON / ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump announced that a high-level American delegation is set to arrive in Islamabad for negotiations with Iran, expressing hope that a “fair and reasonable” deal can be reached. He warned that failure to accept the deal could lead to severe consequences, including potential strikes on critical infrastructure in Iran.
Reports suggest that Vice President JD Vance may lead the delegation, accompanied by Trump’s envoy Steve Kushner and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, although there are conflicting reports about Vance’s participation. Meanwhile, there is no clear confirmation from Tehran regarding its involvement, with early indications suggesting hesitation and conditional participation.
The first round of direct talks between the US and Iran, held in Islamabad on April 11–12, ended without a breakthrough but also without collapse. These discussions were facilitated under a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire, which temporarily halted hostilities that began following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. The ceasefire is set to expire on April 22.
Tensions have escalated further after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The move, in response to US naval restrictions on Iranian ports, has disrupted international shipping, trapped hundreds of vessels, and pushed oil prices higher.
Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by targeting ships in the strait, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the US naval blockade as illegal and a violation of the ceasefire, describing it as collective punishment.
Key issues in the negotiations include ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, particularly uranium enrichment limits and safeguards against weaponisation. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has confirmed it is reviewing new US proposals but insists that no compromise will be made on national interests.
Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf acknowledged some progress in talks but stressed that significant gaps remain, and both sides are still far from a final agreement.
As Islamabad prepares for another round of high-stakes diplomacy, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether tensions ease or escalate further.
