Washington (Web Desk): Negotiation teams from the United States (US) and Iran may once again return to Pakistan later this week, the sources stated on Tuesday.
The development comes days after the highest-level discussions between the two countries wrapped up in Islamabad without delivering any concrete outcome.
Earlier reports indicated that Pakistan had floated the idea of hosting a second round of talks in Islamabad in the coming days, potentially before the current ceasefire arrangement expires on April 21.
However, two Pakistani officials, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, said the proposal remains conditional and would depend on whether Washington and Tehran opt for another venue instead.
They also emphasized that the earlier round in Islamabad was not a standalone initiative but part of an ongoing diplomatic channel.
The initial phase of US–Iran engagement, facilitated in Islamabad, brought together high-level delegations in what officials described as intensive, closed-door discussions focused on de-escalating weeks of mounting tensions.
The “Islamabad Talks” continued for nearly 21 hours after beginning on April 11 afternoon, highlighting both the sensitivity and complexity of the issues being addressed.
Despite the lengthy negotiations, the first round concluded without any formal agreement. US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, confirmed that the discussions did not produce a deal, although both sides used the platform to present their positions in detail.
Pakistani officials nonetheless viewed the engagement as a meaningful breakthrough in establishing structured, direct communication between the two adversaries.
According to earlier reports from Reuters and the Associated Press, diplomatic contact between the two sides has continued beyond the Islamabad meeting, with discussions underway about the possibility of a second round as early as Thursday. While Islamabad remains under consideration as a venue, another option being discussed is Geneva.
Sources further told international news outlet Reuters that Pakistan has maintained its mediating efforts by facilitating communication and relaying messages between Iran and the US.
A US official described the engagement as ongoing and gradually moving forward, while JD Vance noted in a television interview that “a lot of progress” had been achieved, though he stressed that the next step now lies with Tehran.
The Islamabad process has been described as a rare instance of direct, third-party facilitated engagement, with Pakistani diplomats working closely with both sides to bring them into sustained dialogue.
Officials familiar with the talks said discussions focused on narrowing gaps over ceasefire arrangements, regional security concerns, and broader political disagreements.
The conflict, which erupted on February 28 following coordinated US–Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, has reportedly caused more than 2,000 fatalities and deepened instability across the region.
Iran responded with retaliatory measures, including disruption of shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on US and Israeli-linked interests.
A ceasefire announced on April 8, with Pakistan playing a key mediating role, has temporarily halted active hostilities, though major differences remain unresolved.
Washington has proposed a 15-point framework addressing nuclear and missile constraints, sanctions relief, and maritime security, while Tehran has submitted a 10-point counterproposal calling for broader sanctions removal and greater control over strategic waterways.
International reaction has largely been positive toward Pakistan’s role in hosting the “Islamabad Talks,” with observers noting that its continued diplomatic facilitation could prove crucial in keeping dialogue alive and preventing a renewed escalation between the two sides.