ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic efforts, reportedly proposing a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in the coming days, as the current two-week ceasefire approaches its April 21 expiry, sources told Business Recorder on Tuesday.
Sources indicated that Islamabad has once again been proposed as a neutral venue for another round of talks between Iranian and American negotiation teams later this week, although the final decision rests with Washington and Tehran.
An Iranian diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Business Recorder, cautiously acknowledged the development, saying: “A next round of talks between the two countries [Iran and the US] is very much expected, but where and when, nobody knows.”
He added that Iran, in principle, prefers Islamabad as the primary venue, while the US side has shown interest in Geneva.
READ MORE: US, Iran leave door open to dialogue after tense Islamabad talks
The first round of direct talks, the “Islamabad Talks,” concluded inconclusively last weekend after a marathon 21-hour session.
The US delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance and included Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East and special envoy for peace missions, and Jared Kushner, the US President’s influential son-in-law.
The Iranian delegation was headed by Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, alongside Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
Meanwhile, the capital was abuzz with speculation that US President Donald Trump might personally visit Pakistan for the next round of talks, instead of Vice President JD Vance.
When approached, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi declined to comment on the reports.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to embark on a three-nation tour today (Wednesday), beginning with Saudi Arabia, followed by Qatar and Turkiye.
During the trip, he will brief regional leaders on last week’s “Islamabad Talks” between Iran and the United States, as well as the anticipated second round of negotiations, likely to be held in Islamabad again next week.
Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach has also included high-level contacts with the European Union, Kuwait, and Canada.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, who commended Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating US-Iran dialogue.
Similar appreciation was expressed by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Sabah and Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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