Pakistan is actively preparing to host a second round of direct peace negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, potentially by the end of this week, following an initial attempt that nearly reached an agreement. The ongoing conflict, now in its seventh week, has significantly disrupted global shipping and damaged infrastructure across the Middle East, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. Officials reported the first talks achieved "80 percent" of a deal before collapsing over key disagreements.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has extended formal invitations to both Washington and Tehran, proposing a return of their delegations to the Pakistani capital. A senior official within the Pakistani government stated, "We have reached out to Iran and got a positive response that they will be open to a second round of talks." This move comes just days after the first face-to-face discussions between American and Iranian representatives concluded without a final resolution. The initial encounter marked the first direct communication between these two nations in over a decade.
It was the most senior engagement since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Last weekend's meeting at Islamabad's luxurious Hotel Serena saw US Vice President JD Vance representing the Trump administration. Iran sent Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
These figures engaged in discussions that lasted through the night. Pakistani representatives, including Army Chief Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, shuttled between the two sides. They worked to maintain momentum. "There were ups and downs.
There were tense moments. People left the room, and then came back," a security source involved in the talks told The Independent. Visible reminders of the previous summit remain, with giant hoardings displaying "Islamabad Talks" still hanging outside the hotel venue.
The primary points of contention included the future of Iran's nuclear program, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of international sanctions. Vice President Vance conveyed the US position, advocating for Iran to dismantle its major nuclear enrichment facilities. Washington also sought the handover of highly enriched uranium.
Furthermore, the US proposed a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment by Tehran. This was part of a broader security framework that would involve regional allies. Iranian officials presented their own set of demands.
Tehran asked for a significantly shorter period for any freeze on its nuclear program—a five-year commitment, according to Axios. Iran also sought a permanent ceasefire and an assurance against future strikes on its territory or regional allies. Lifting primary and secondary sanctions was another key demand.
Reuters reported that Iran also pushed for the unfreezing of all its assets and recognition of its right to uranium enrichment. They insisted on continued control of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite nearing an understanding, the negotiations faltered over these critical issues.
The nuclear program, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and the volume of frozen assets accessible to Tehran proved insurmountable obstacles. The deadlock deepened Tuesday when the United States announced a blockade of Iran's ports. Tehran immediately responded with threats to target sites across the region.
This diplomatic push unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing regional conflict. The war has now entered its seventh week. It has already caused considerable economic disruption.
Shipping lanes have been cut. Airstrikes have damaged both military and civilian infrastructure. Though a ceasefire, announced four days before the first talks, has largely held, it is set to expire on April 21.
Renewed hostilities could escalate the region-wide war and worsen economic fallout. Pakistan's continued engagement holds significant weight for regional stability and global markets. The country's unique position, maintaining ties with both the Trump administration and Iran, allows it to serve as a critical intermediary.
Abdullah Khan, managing director at the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, noted that even without a full resolution, Pakistan's efforts "have seen success: we have seen that no airstrikes have resumed from Israel or America on Iran so far." Khan also highlighted Pakistan's role in urging Iran not to target Gulf nations. This reduces immediate tensions. "Pakistani officials are engaged with both the countries and still pursuing their efforts," Khan told The Independent. He believes that substantial progress occurred in the first round. "Americans have clearly given their list to the Iranians and there’s little that needs to be agreed to," Khan asserted.
He suggested that most issues were agreed upon, with only nuclear and a few other critical items remaining. The focus now shifts to bridging these specific divides. One potential area for compromise lies in the duration of Iran's uranium enrichment moratorium.
Asif Durrani, a former Pakistani ambassador to the UAE and Iran, suggests a middle ground. "The US demands 20 years while Iran has offered five years. Somewhere in the middle of the road perhaps some agreement is possible, say 10 years," Durrani explained. He maintains that "good sense will prevail" in the upcoming discussions.
This proposal offers a concrete path to break the nuclear impasse. Pakistan's role as a trusted mediator stems from its historical relationships. Dr.
Kamran Bokhari, a senior resident fellow at the Middle East Policy Council in Washington, DC, observed, "It (Pakistan) enjoys loyalty to Iran as the only regional ally and has a great deal of trust with the Trump administration." Vice President Vance publicly praised the Pakistani government, including its prime minister and chief of defense forces, on Fox News recently. This reinforces Pakistan's credibility. Key Takeaways: - Pakistan is preparing to host a second round of US-Iran peace talks, potentially by the end of this week. - The first direct talks in over a decade achieved 80% agreement but collapsed over Iran's nuclear program, Strait of Hormuz control, and frozen assets. - US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials, including Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, participated in the initial discussions. - A ceasefire currently holds but expires on April 21, adding urgency to renewed diplomatic efforts.
The precise timing for the next round of talks remains fluid, though delegations are keeping Friday through Sunday open. "No firm date has been set, with the delegations keeping Friday through Sunday open," a senior Iranian source informed Reuters. Observers will be watching for any indications of flexibility from either Washington or Tehran on the nuclear enrichment timeline or the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Bokhari believes the US President would only attend a signing ceremony, not another meeting.
Therefore, Vice President Vance and other diplomats will continue managing these delicate negotiations. The coming days will show whether Pakistan's persistent efforts can finally secure a lasting peace agreement.
Key Takeaways
— - Pakistan is preparing to host a second round of US-Iran peace talks, potentially by the end of this week.
— - The first direct talks in over a decade achieved 80% agreement but collapsed over Iran's nuclear program, Strait of Hormuz control, and frozen assets.
— - US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials, including Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, participated in the initial discussions.
— - A ceasefire currently holds but expires on April 21, adding urgency to renewed diplomatic efforts.
Source: The Independent