Uncertainty prevails over Islamabad talks amid mixed signals from Iran

Lead

Uncertainty continues to shroud the prospect of a second round of direct talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, as mixed signals from Tehran and fresh hostilities off the Strait of Hormuz have complicated efforts to extend a fragile two-week ceasefire.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, told reporters in Tehran on Monday that no decision has been made on whether to attend the next round of negotiations. "As of now, while I am at your service, we have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made in this regard," he said, according to Dawn.

His comments came a day after Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation at the first round of so-called Islamabad Talks on Saturday, said it was now time for Washington to decide whether it can "earn" Tehran's trust.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from outlets including Dawn, Al Jazeera and the South China Morning Post paints a consistent picture of deep mistrust between the two sides, though perspectives differ on who bears responsibility for the impasse. Al Jazeera's coverage frames the situation as one of US failures and escalating American threats, while Dawn's reporting remains more neutral, relying heavily on official statements from both the Iranian and Pakistani governments. The South China Morning Post highlights the historical context of mutual suspicion, noting both sides' stated intentions to return to the table but also their readiness for further conflict.

Key Claims

No confirmed date for second round: Multiple reports, including from Dawn and Al Jazeera, indicate that no dates have been set for a second round of talks. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed this in a briefing, stating that "who will come, how large the delegation will be... is for the parties to decide."

New tensions over ceasefire terms: According to Al Jazeera, new tensions emerged on Friday between top US and Iranian officials over the interpretation of a ten-point proposal that formed the basis of the earlier ceasefire. A key point of discord is whether the ceasefire applies to Israel's operations in Lebanon, with Ghalibaf insisting that a Lebanese ceasefire and the release of Iranian assets must be fulfilled before further negotiations.

US delegation expected, but no Iranian confirmation: President Donald Trump has said a US delegation is expected to arrive in Islamabad, though there is no confirmation that talks will actually take place, as reported by Dawn. Earlier reports from Al Jazeera suggested the delegation had already departed for Saturday's scheduled talks, but the current status remains unclear.

Maritime incident complicates matters: Trump said the US Navy had targeted an Iranian ship attempting to evade its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, an account that differs from Tehran's version of events. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson described the attack as a "clear violation of the ceasefire," adding that the US naval blockade and delays in implementing a ceasefire in Lebanon were also violations.

Perspectives

Iran's official stance: Iranian officials, including Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have repeatedly emphasized that Tehran came to the talks with "goodwill" but lacks trust in the United States, citing previous attacks during negotiations and broken promises. Ghalibaf said on Sunday that "the opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations," and called the talks "diplomacy of authority," a tool alongside military struggle to achieve Iran's rights.

US position: The US has signaled readiness to continue negotiations, with a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance expected in Islamabad. However, President Trump has also ramped up threats, warning of a "complete decimation" if no deal is reached. American demands reportedly include a 20-year suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment and the end of Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan's role as facilitator: Islamabad has positioned itself as a neutral host, with Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi urging the media to avoid speculation and emphasizing the need for confidentiality. He said the talks were ongoing with a "high level of trust" and secrecy, and thanked Pakistan for facilitating the process, with Ghalibaf expressing gratitude to "our friendly and brotherly country."

International observers' concerns: Outside the immediate parties, analysts and regional observers have expressed concern that the fragile truce could collapse altogether, with reports suggesting the ceasefire may not hold beyond its current term. The main points of contention — uranium enrichment and the Strait of Hormuz — remain unresolved, casting a shadow over any potential second round.