A second round of US-Iran talks could take place as early as Friday, according to US President Donald Trump, as reported by the New York Post. Trump responded positively to queries about the upcoming negotiations, stating, “It’s possible!” when asked if talks were expected within the next 36 to 72 hours in Islamabad, a claim that was supported by sources in Pakistan, which had previously mediated the first round of discussions.
Despite extending the two-week ceasefire just before it was due to expire on April 21, Trump has not yet set a fixed timeline for its continuation. He confirmed that the US Navy will maintain its blockade of Iranian ports, a move that Tehran views as an act of war. Trump’s announcement about the truce extension came following a request from Pakistan, aiming to allow Iran time to prepare a unified proposal.
The second round of negotiations in Islamabad will be pivotal, as Washington and Tehran remain at odds on several crucial issues, including the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had closed for all traffic in response to strikes by the US and Israel. The situation has also escalated with Iranian retaliations in the region.
Pakistan continues to facilitate dialogue, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement of the ceasefire on April 8, followed by the invitation to both sides for negotiations in Islamabad. However, these initial talks did not result in a permanent peace agreement, and Islamabad has been working tirelessly to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.
In response to the US Navy’s ongoing blockade, Iran stated that it would return to the talks only after the blockade is lifted. The Iranian Ambassador to the UN, Amir-Saeid Iravani, confirmed that Iran would only engage once the blockade is removed, signaling a condition for further progress.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s mediation efforts to end the conflict and secure peace but reiterated that Iran would take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and security.
