US, Iran may return to Islamabad for talks as tensions rise despite fragile ceasefire

ISLAMABAD (MNTV) — Negotiating teams from the United States and Iran are expected to return to Islamabad for a second round of high-stakes peace talks later this week, as diplomatic efforts intensify to salvage a fragile ceasefire overshadowed by escalating US pressure and continued regional instability linked to Israeli military actions.

Officials from Pakistan and Iran indicated that both sides are keeping the coming weekend open for possible negotiations, though no final date has been confirmed.

Sources familiar with the process said Islamabad has actively engaged both Washington and Tehran, receiving initial positive signals, particularly from the Iranian side, regarding a renewed round of dialogue.

The proposed talks follow an initial round held in Islamabad days earlier — the first direct engagement between the two adversaries in over a decade — which ended without a breakthrough but also avoided a collapse.

The discussions were led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, marking the highest-level contact since Iran’s 1979 revolution.

Fragile diplomacy under pressure

Despite the diplomatic opening, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain. Key sticking points include control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and the lifting of sanctions — issues that have historically derailed negotiations.

Pakistan, which brokered the current ceasefire, is now working urgently to extend the truce beyond its April 22 deadline. Officials say the immediate priority is preventing a return to full-scale conflict, with backchannel communications ongoing and intermediaries attempting to bridge gaps between the two sides.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to mediation, stating that “full efforts” are underway to resolve outstanding issues. Diplomatic outreach has expanded globally, with Pakistani officials engaging counterparts in China, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and European states to build momentum for continued dialogue.

However, the ceasefire remains increasingly fragile. The United States has moved ahead with aggressive measures, including a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, a step widely viewed as a violation of the spirit—if not the letter—of the truce. Tehran has accused Washington of pursuing coercive tactics while simultaneously claiming to support diplomacy.

Iranian officials have criticized what they describe as “maximalist demands” from Washington, particularly regarding control over enriched uranium and intrusive verification mechanisms. Tehran insists that negotiations must remain within the framework of international law and mutual respect, rejecting unilateral conditions imposed under pressure.

Escalation risks and regional fallout

The situation is further complicated by Israel’s continued military posture in the region, particularly in Lebanon, which Iranian and Pakistani officials argue undermines ceasefire commitments and risks derailing negotiations altogether. Islamabad has warned that such actions could be deliberate attempts to sabotage diplomatic progress.

Meanwhile, Washington has maintained a hardline stance, with US officials claiming that the “ball is in Iran’s court” while simultaneously escalating military and economic pressure. President Donald Trump has also suggested that Iran is eager to reach a deal, though no concrete progress has been publicly confirmed.

Diplomatic sources say discussions are also ongoing about the venue for the next round of talks. While Iran prefers Islamabad due to its neutrality and proximity, the US is reportedly considering alternative locations, reflecting broader strategic calculations. Despite this, officials indicate that venue disagreements are unlikely to block negotiations if substantive progress can be made.

Efforts are also underway to extend the ceasefire by up to 45 days, allowing more time for technical discussions before another high-level political meeting. Russia and other international actors have entered the diplomatic landscape, with Moscow offering proposals related to Iran’s nuclear material as part of a potential agreement.

As the window for diplomacy narrows, Pakistan’s role as a mediator has gained increasing international recognition. However, analysts warn that continued US escalation and Israel’s regional actions could undermine even the most carefully constructed diplomatic frameworks, pushing the conflict back toward confrontation.