Second Round of US–Iran Talks Likely Soon as Pakistan Intensifies Mediation Efforts

A second round of high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran is expected to take place within days, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent the collapse of a fragile ceasefire following inconclusive talks held in Pakistan.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, officials familiar with the matter have indicated that both Washington and Tehran remain open to continued dialogue despite strong public rhetoric. The initial round of talks, hosted in Islamabad, marked the highest-level direct engagement between the two sides in recent years.

Pakistan has continued to play a key mediating role, with officials actively engaging both countries to revive negotiations before the ceasefire deadline of April 22. A senior Pakistani source emphasized the urgency, stating that efforts are underway to “wrap it up before the deadline” to avoid renewed hostilities.

Despite several hours of intense discussions during the first round, major disagreements remain unresolved. Key sticking points include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without transit fees, the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, and Tehran’s demand for the release of approximately $27 billion in frozen overseas assets.

Iran has reportedly proposed alternative arrangements, including limiting its uranium enrichment and reducing its stockpile. However, both sides have yet to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

Regional countries are also actively involved in pushing for continued diplomacy, urging the United States to extend the current two-week ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations. Diplomatic sources suggest that the next round of talks could be held either in Islamabad again or at a European venue, with Pakistan continuing its facilitation role.

As the deadline approaches, mediators remain cautiously optimistic that ongoing dialogue can prevent escalation and pave the way for a broader agreement between the two nations.