US-Iran second round of talks likely within days: Report
ToS:
Islamabad:Fresh diplomatic momentum is building between the United States and Iran, with a second round of high-level talks expected within days following the collapse of initial negotiations in Pakistan that left a fragile ceasefire hanging in the balance.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, officials familiar with the matter say a second round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran may be held within days.
Despite strong public rhetoric from both sides, the report noted that the doors of diplomacy remain open.
The report highlighted that regional countries are actively working to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table. Their primary goal is to contain tensions and prevent further escalation in the Middle East following the recent conflict.
Pakistan continues mediation efforts
Pakistan, which hosted the first round of talks in Islamabad, remains deeply engaged in diplomatic efforts.
Officials said Pakistani authorities are in active consultation with both Washington and Tehran to revive negotiations before the ceasefire expires.
A senior Pakistani source was quoted as saying the aim is to “wrap it up before the deadline” of April 22 to avoid renewed hostilities.
The Islamabad meeting represented the highest-level direct engagement between US and Iranian officials in years. The talks lasted several hours and saw intense negotiations, with some progress made but no final agreement reached.
Major sticking points remain unresolved
According to officials cited in the report, several key issues continue to block a breakthrough:
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz without imposing transit fees
- The future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile
- Tehran’s demand for the release of approximately $27 billion in frozen overseas assets
Iran proposed alternative solutions
The report said Iran proposed alternative arrangements, including limiting its uranium enrichment or reducing its stockpile. However, both sides failed to agree on acceptable terms, leaving negotiations at a standstill.
