A second round of talks between the United States and Iran could take place as early as Friday, according to a report citing US President Donald Trump.
Responding to a query, Trump said it was “possible” that fresh negotiations would be held in Islamabad within the next 36 to 72 hours, following Pakistan’s mediation of the first round.
The development comes after Trump extended a two-week ceasefire just hours before it was due to expire, allowing more time for diplomatic engagement.
However, uncertainty remains over the timeline, with reports suggesting no fixed schedule has been finalised for further talks or a long-term extension of the truce.
A US source indicated that Washington may consider extending the ceasefire by another three to five days but ruled out an open-ended arrangement.
Key differences continue to hinder progress, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed following US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28.
The conflict de-escalated on April 8 when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a two-week ceasefire and invited both sides to Islamabad for dialogue. The initial round of talks ended without a permanent agreement.
Despite this, Pakistan has continued diplomatic efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table and facilitate an extension of the ceasefire.
Trump has said the truce will remain in place until Iran submits a proposal, though he maintained that the US naval blockade of Iranian maritime trade would continue, a move Tehran considers an act of war.
Iran has signalled it will only return to negotiations once the blockade is lifted. Ambassador to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani said talks could resume in Islamabad if restrictions are eased.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan remains in contact with Iranian leadership, adding that confirmation of Tehran’s participation in the next round of talks is still awaited.
