ISLAMABAD: Negotiating teams from the United States and Iran may return to Islamabad later this week for a second round of talks, days after high-level discussions ended without a breakthrough but also without collapse.
According to sources, no final date has been set, though both sides are keeping the weekend open. Pakistani officials are in contact with both delegations, with indications that Iran is open to resuming dialogue.
Pakistan is also working to secure an extension of the current ceasefire, which was brokered on April 8 and is set to expire on April 22, to allow more time for diplomacy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said efforts are ongoing to resolve outstanding issues, noting the truce is still holding but requires continued engagement.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance stated that the “ball is in Iran’s court,” adding that Washington has presented its final offer and maintains firm conditions, including oversight of Iran’s nuclear programme.
US President Donald Trump claimed Iranian representatives had reached out expressing willingness to make a deal, while Iranian officials signalled they would continue talks within the framework of international law but criticised US demands.
On the diplomatic front, Pakistan has intensified outreach to key countries including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt to support the peace process and maintain the ceasefire.
While both sides have agreed to continue negotiations, differences remain over key issues such as agenda, format and venue. Iran is said to prefer Islamabad for the next round, while the US is considering alternative locations.
Efforts are ongoing to extend the ceasefire and create space for further negotiations.
