Negotiating teams from the United States and Iran are weighing a return to Islamabad later this week for a second round of urgent peace talks. The diplomatic push attempts to halt the escalating military conflict after US President Donald Trump ordered a US Navy blockade of all Iranian ports and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan is playing a central mediating role alongside Turkey and Egypt to bring both delegations back to the table. Intermediaries are aggressively working to secure a 45-day extension to the fragile 14-day ceasefire currently in place.
The initial marathon negotiations concluded without a breakthrough. Pakistan officially extended the offer to host the follow-up meetings. Iranian delegates signaled a strong preference to return to Islamabad. The delegation cited proximity and comfort with Pakistan’s mediation according to an Al Jazeera report. The US delegation explored alternative venues like Geneva due to security logistics. Sources indicate the location will not break the deal. Delegations are keeping Friday through Sunday open.
The core breakdown centers on nuclear demands. US Vice President JD Vance stated the US maintains absolute red lines requiring Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons pursuits and surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back on the demands. He claimed both sides were inches away from an agreement before the US shifted goalposts and engaged in “maximalism”. Iran is resisting US demands for a 20-year halt on uranium enrichment. They countered with a shorter timeframe. Iran also demands an immediate end to Israeli military strikes on Lebanon.