JUST IN: Pakistan Proposes Hosting Second Round of US-Iran Talks Before Ceasefire Expires
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Diplomacy & Conflict
Pakistan has formally proposed hosting a second round of direct negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, aiming to secure a breakthrough before the fragile two-week ceasefire expires next week . The initiative comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to end the six-week conflict that has disrupted global energy markets and destabilized the Middle East.
Two Pakistani officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Islamabad is ready to once again serve as mediator, though the proposal would ultimately depend on whether both parties agree on the venue . While no final decision has been made on timing or location, sources indicate that talks could take place as early as Thursday, with Geneva also under consideration as a potential host .
‘Some Progress’ Made, But Final Deal Elusive
Despite the first round of marathon negotiations ending without an agreement, US Vice President JD Vance struck a cautiously optimistic tone, telling Fox News Channel’s “Special Report” that the talks “did make some progress” .
“They moved in our direction. There really is, I think, a grand deal to be had here. But it’s up to the Iranians, I think, to take the next step.” — Vice President JD Vance
Vance noted that Iranian negotiators appeared to have moved closer to US positions on key issues, particularly regarding the removal of nuclear material from Iran and mechanisms to prevent future uranium enrichment . However, he suggested that the Iranian team may lack the authority to finalize an agreement without broader approval from leadership in Tehran .
Meanwhile, the White House has signaled that pressure will only increase. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that “President Trump, Vice-President Vance and the negotiating team have made the US red lines very clear,” adding that “the Iranians’ desperation for a deal will only increase with President Trump’s highly effective naval blockade now in effect” .
Sticking Points Remain
The first round of talks, which spanned nearly 21 hours over two days, failed to bridge the gap on several core issues.
Key disagreements include:
- Nuclear program: Iran has offered to pause enrichment for up to five years, but the US demands a 20-year suspension
- Strait of Hormuz: The US insists on immediate, full reopening; Iran maintains it will only occur after a final peace agreement
- Enriched uranium stockpile: The US demands all highly enriched material be shipped out of Iran
- Regional proxies: Iran refuses to cut support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis
Vance reiterated that the US proposal remains on the table, telling reporters after the first round that “we leave here with a very simple proposal — this is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it” .
Pakistan’s Persistent Mediation Role
Despite the inconclusive first round, Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating dialogue between the two adversaries. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that “Pakistan has been and will continue to play its role to facilitate engagement and dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America in the days to come” .
The first round of talks — the highest-level direct engagement between Washington and Tehran since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution — was viewed by Pakistani officials as part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort . The talks involved expert-level discussions across economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees, with both sides exchanging written texts .
Competing Venues: Islamabad vs. Geneva
While Islamabad remains a preferred location, sources indicate that Geneva is also under consideration as an alternative venue . The Swiss city has historically hosted US-Iran negotiations, including the talks that led to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
US officials familiar with the planning said discussions were still underway about a new round, with no final decision yet made on timing or venue . The diplomat and US officials indicated that Islamabad was once again being discussed as the host location, while Geneva remained a possibility .
Ceasefire Clock Ticking
The two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan and announced on April 7, remains in effect but is increasingly fragile. The truce was explicitly conditioned on Iran’s agreement to the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING” of the Strait of Hormuz — a condition Iran has not met.
With the naval blockade of Iranian ports now in effect and both sides hardening their positions, the window for a diplomatic breakthrough is narrowing. Yet the exchange of specific proposals and the willingness to consider a second round suggest that, for the first time in weeks, the outlines of a potential deal remain visible — even if the distance between the two sides remains vast.
“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire.” — Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When could the second round of talks take place?
While no final decision has been made, sources indicate that talks could happen as early as Thursday, April 16, 2026 .
2. Where would the second round be held?
Pakistan has proposed hosting in Islamabad once again, though Geneva is also under consideration as an alternative venue .
3. Did the first round of talks make any progress?
Yes. Vice President Vance said the talks “did make some progress,” particularly on issues related to nuclear material removal and mechanisms to prevent future enrichment .
4. Why hasn’t a deal been reached yet?
Core disagreements remain on the duration of Iran’s nuclear pause (5 years vs. 20 years), the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s support for regional proxies .
5. Is the ceasefire still in effect?
Yes, the two-week ceasefire remains in effect but is increasingly fragile. Its future depends on whether diplomatic progress can be made before it expires .
6. What has the White House said about potential new talks?
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that “President Trump, Vice-President Vance and the negotiating team have made the US red lines very clear,” adding that Iran’s position will only weaken as the naval blockade continues .
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