Iran-US Talks Likely in Islamabad Next Weekend as Diplomatic Efforts Continue

A second round of negotiations between Iran and the United States is expected to take place in Islamabad by the end of next week, according to sources familiar with the development.

Authorities in Pakistan have reportedly been instructed to begin administrative and security preparations to host the upcoming talks, signaling renewed diplomatic engagement between the two sides.

Sources indicate that the US delegation may include Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump.

On the Iranian side, the delegation is expected to feature Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

This development follows a recent round of talks held in Islamabad, where both sides attempted to reach an agreement to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The conflict began on February 28 after joint military actions by the US and Israel, escalating tensions across the region.

Despite lengthy discussions lasting around 21 hours, the earlier negotiations did not produce a final agreement. Key sticking points included Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of US sanctions.

Shehbaz Sharif had earlier announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8 and invited both nations to Islamabad for dialogue. While progress has been limited, Pakistani authorities continue to facilitate communication between Tehran and Washington.

A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed ongoing exchanges of messages through Pakistan. During a briefing, spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that multiple communications have taken place since the initial ceasefire.

He added that a Pakistani delegation is expected to visit Tehran to relay messages from the US, continuing diplomatic efforts initiated during the Islamabad talks.

According to Baqaei, previous discussions covered issues such as a full ceasefire, sanctions relief, compensation for war damages, and the restoration of Iran’s frozen assets, though no conclusive outcomes were achieved.

Meanwhile, a senior US official noted that Washington has not formally agreed to extend the current ceasefire but confirmed that dialogue between the two countries is ongoing. “There is continued engagement between the US and Iran to reach a deal,” the official said.