Negotiating teams from the United States and Iran are expected to return to Islamabad later this week for a possible second round of talks, according to multiple sources, as Pakistan continues its role as a key facilitator in efforts to sustain a fragile ceasefire between the two sides.
The renewed engagement would follow high-level discussions held in the Pakistani capital over the weekend, which marked the most significant direct contact between Washington and Tehran in decades. Although the talks ended without a breakthrough, officials described them as inconclusive rather than unsuccessful, keeping diplomatic channels open.
Sources familiar with the process said no final date has been confirmed, but both delegations have tentatively kept Friday through Sunday open for a possible return. A senior Iranian source indicated that Tehran remains willing to continue engagement, while Pakistani officials are actively coordinating with both sides to finalise timing and logistics.
Islamabad has emerged as a central intermediary, working alongside regional partners to extend the ceasefire and maintain momentum for dialogue. According to Pakistani officials, efforts are also underway to ensure that the truce—currently set to expire on April 22—is extended to allow more time for negotiations.
The diplomatic push comes amid heightened tensions following weeks of conflict that have disrupted regional security and global energy routes. The United States has accused Iran of destabilising maritime traffic, while Tehran has warned against any enforcement measures it considers violations of the ceasefire.
US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation in the Islamabad talks, said Washington had presented its “final and best offer” and that “the ball is in the Iranian court”. He added that the United States maintains firm red lines, particularly regarding uranium enrichment and verification mechanisms to prevent weaponisation.
US President Donald Trump separately claimed that Iranian officials had reached out to Washington after the talks, insisting that Tehran “very badly” wants a deal. Iranian authorities have not confirmed this assertion.
On the Iranian side, President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will continue negotiations only within the framework of international law, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of maintaining “excessive demands” that stalled progress.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also been drawn into diplomatic exchanges, with Iranian leadership reportedly discussing the situation with Paris in parallel outreach efforts.
In Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan is making “full efforts” to facilitate dialogue and sustain the ceasefire, while his government continues back-channel coordination with both parties.
The initial round of talks, hosted by Pakistan, included discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, maritime security, and the disputed control of key shipping routes. Despite deep divisions, both sides agreed to keep communication channels open, raising the possibility of further negotiations in the coming days.