U.S., Iran may meet again in Islamabad for second round of talks by next week: Report

Coverage Comparison

Pakistan is engaged in high-level contacts to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table, and the two sides may meet again in Islamabad for a second round of talks by next week, according to a report by The Express Tribune, as cited by The Hindu. The report, published on April 14, 2026, said the contacts were ongoing for the revival of stalled negotiations, and the talks could take place before the end of the two-week ceasefire on April 21.

A separate report by The Hindu, dated April 25, indicated that US envoys were expected to travel to Pakistan in a new bid to salvage the ceasefire talks, even as Iran ruled out direct negotiations with US representatives. The same report noted that the indefinite ceasefire has paused most fighting, but economic fallout is still mounting due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, on April 11 and 12, multiple reports confirmed that an Iranian delegation, led by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher-Ghalibaf, had arrived in Islamabad, followed by a US negotiating team led by Vice President JD Vance, along with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Ghalibaf, and the talks were described as aimed at cementing a permanent ceasefire.

Al Jazeera reported that Sharif called the talks "make or break," warning that the next phase would determine whether a lasting ceasefire can be secured. The Jerusalem Post reported on internal Iranian dynamics, alleging that the delegation was instructed not to address the nuclear issue and that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the order as a "death sentence" for the negotiations. That report cited Iran International and sources with knowledge of the matter.

Key Claims

• Pakistan's role: Pakistan is actively mediating to bring the US and Iran back to the table, with a possible second round in Islamabad before April 21. (Reported by The Hindu, citing The Express Tribune)
• Ceasefire status: An indefinite ceasefire has paused most fighting, but the economic fallout continues due to the Strait of Hormuz closure. (Reported by The Hindu)
• Delegations: Iranian and US delegations arrived in Islamabad on April 11, with PM Sharif meeting the Iranian Speaker. (Reported by The Hindu, multiple articles)
• Nuclear issue dispute: Iran's delegation was told not to raise the nuclear issue, a directive criticized by Foreign Minister Araghchi. (Reported by Jerusalem Post, citing Iran International)
• Talks' goal: The mediated talks aim to cement a permanent ceasefire. (Reported by The Hindu)

Perspectives

Pakistan's view: PM Sharif calls the talks "make or break," emphasizing Pakistan's stake in securing a lasting ceasefire. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Iran's internal debate: As per Jerusalem Post, Iran's leadership has restricted the delegation from discussing nuclear issues, while Foreign Minister Araghchi warns that such restrictions undermine the talks. This suggests a power struggle between the Foreign Ministry and the Supreme Leader's inner circle.

International economic concerns: The Hindu highlights the global energy disruption from the Strait of Hormuz closure, indicating that the talks are not just about regional security but also about global economic stability.

Media discrepancy: While The Hindu reports that Iran has ruled out direct negotiations, Jerusalem Post's report suggests that talks are happening, with the caveat being the nuclear issue. This discrepancy may reflect different reporting timelines or interpretations of Iran's stance.

Timeline and Context

The ceasefire, initially declared for two weeks, was set to expire on April 21, but subsequent reports indicate an indefinite extension. The talks in Islamabad are the second round, following earlier US-Iran negotiations facilitated by Pakistan. The New York Times reported on March 24 that the US had sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war, which was handed over by Pakistan's General Asim Munir. The assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by a US-Israeli strike earlier in 2026 has led to the rise of Mojtaba Khamenei, who is described as managing Iran through a "board" of IRGC commanders, according to The New York Times, as reported by Jerusalem Post.

The next few days are critical as the parties weigh the possibility of a second round before the ceasefire expires. Pakistan's role as mediator is central, but Iran's internal disagreements over the nuclear issue and its stated aversion to direct talks with US representatives could derail progress.