Second round of Iran–US talks uncertain as Pakistan hosts fresh diplomatic push

A fresh round of diplomatic efforts is underway in Islamabad as the United States and Iran move towards a possible second phase of peace talks, though uncertainty remains over whether direct negotiations will take place.

US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Pakistan on April 25 to engage with Iranian representatives, according to the White House. However, Iranian state media has indicated that direct talks with the US may not happen at this stage, suggesting communication could remain indirect.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also reached Islamabad, where he is expected to hold discussions with Pakistani officials as part of efforts to revive negotiations and stabilise the situation following weeks of conflict.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator between the two sides, having previously facilitated and hosted the first round of talks earlier this month which remained inconclusive. Those negotiations, held in Islamabad, ended without a breakthrough but laid the groundwork for continued engagement.

The previous talks between the United States and Iran ended without progress, with both sides divided over three key issues — Tehran’s highly enriched uranium and its nuclear programme, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the ongoing Israel–Lebanon conflict.

Iran has maintained its right to enrich uranium, though it has signalled that enrichment levels could be negotiable.The current diplomatic push comes as a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran continues to hold, though tensions remain high.

Iranian officials have maintained that Washington is seeking a way out of the conflict, while the US has indicated it is open to further dialogue.

Security in Islamabad has been significantly tightened ahead of the talks, with parts of the city placed under restrictions as authorities prepare for high-level meetings.

While both sides have signalled willingness to engage, differences over key demands have so far prevented a formal agreement. Pakistan continues to push for sustained dialogue, hoping to convert the current ceasefire into a more lasting resolution.