JUST IN: Iranian Parliament Speaker Qalibaf to Join Second Round of US-Iran Talks in Pakistan if US Vice President Vance Attends, NYT Reports

Reflecto News Desk
Islamabad / Tehran / Washington D.C. – April 16, 2026

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf is prepared to participate in a second round of direct US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan on the condition that US Vice President JD Vance attends the talks, according to a report by The New York Times.

The development represents a potentially significant step forward in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the dangerous US-Iran confrontation, with Pakistan continuing to play a central mediating role.

Details of the Proposed Second Round of Talks

Citing senior officials familiar with the discussions, the NYT reported that Iran has signaled willingness to send a high-level delegation led by Speaker Qalibaf to Pakistan for follow-up negotiations. However, Tehran is conditioning its participation on the presence of Vice President Vance, viewing it as a sign of serious US commitment at the highest levels.

This comes after the first round of direct talks hosted by Pakistan last weekend failed to produce a breakthrough, and amid intense shuttle diplomacy by Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is currently in Tehran.

Pakistan’s Critical Mediation Role

Pakistan has positioned itself as the key neutral facilitator between Washington and Tehran. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a direct call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier today, while Field Marshal Munir continues high-level engagements in the Iranian capital.

The proposed second round in Pakistan would build on these efforts and could provide a face-to-face platform to address core issues including the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Iran’s nuclear program, and regional security.

Current Context: High Tension but Diplomatic Openings

The reported willingness for a second round comes despite a day of serious military incidents:

• US Marines seized the Iranian cargo ship Touska
• Iran launched drones toward US naval vessels and threatened “grave consequences”
• A French ship was damaged by warning shots in the Strait of Hormuz
• Commercial shipping through the Strait remains virtually halted

At the same time, Iranian President Pezeshkian earlier today called for diplomacy, stating “war benefits no one,” indicating possible internal space for negotiations.

Implications for De-escalation

Participation by high-level figures such as Speaker Qalibaf and potentially Vice President Vance would elevate the talks significantly and could create the political space needed to address the maritime crisis in the Persian Gulf and broader regional tensions. Success could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease the severe global energy disruptions currently affecting markets worldwide.

FAQs on the Proposed Second Round of US-Iran Talks in Pakistan

Q1: Will the second round of talks definitely happen?
A: It remains conditional. Iran has indicated Qalibaf will attend if Vice President Vance participates, but no final confirmation from the US side has been reported yet.

Q2: Why does Iran want Vice President Vance to attend?
A: Tehran views Vance’s presence as evidence of genuine high-level US commitment to the negotiations.

Q3: What role is Pakistan playing?
A: Pakistan is acting as the host and primary mediator, leveraging its unique relationships with both Washington and Tehran.

Q4: What are the main issues on the table?
A: Key topics include de-escalation in the Persian Gulf, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and regional security arrangements.

Q5: How does this relate to the current naval incidents?
A: The talks are seen as the best chance to prevent further escalation following today’s seizure of the Touska and other military actions.

Q6: Could this lead to a breakthrough?
A: A successful second round could significantly reduce tensions, but deep mistrust on both sides makes any agreement challenging.

Looking Ahead

The coming hours will be crucial as Pakistan works to secure confirmation from both sides for the second round of talks. With the Strait of Hormuz crisis causing massive global economic damage and multiple military flashpoints active, diplomatic progress has become increasingly urgent.

Reflecto News will continue to monitor developments in Islamabad, Tehran, and Washington closely.

Stay tuned to Reflecto News for real-time updates, expert analysis, and comprehensive coverage of the US-Iran crisis and Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

This article is based on The New York Times reporting and will be updated with any official confirmations from the involved parties.