ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host another round of negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at a potential peace agreement, following the two week temporary ceasefire that expires on April 21.
Diplomatic sources maintain that the process is making a ‘positive progress’, though a final deal may only be reached during the second round of talks beginning Tuesday.
Both sides had earlier engaged in marathon negotiations lasting 21 hours on April 11–12 in Islamabad, which ended inconclusively on certain contentious points. High-level delegations from the two countries are arriving in Islamabad today (Monday) to resume face-to-face talks suspended on April 12.
READ MORE: US, Iran delegations likely to meet again on Monday in Pakistan: sources
The White House confirmed on Sunday, following President Donald Trump’s announcement, that US Vice President JD Vance will lead the delegation arriving Monday evening for the second phase of the Islamabad Talks scheduled for April 21. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Vitkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are also part of the US team. Three special US aircraft carrying senior officials and experts landed at Nur Khan Airbase, with the delegates escorted under heavy security to five star hotels.
A senior Iranian diplomat, when contacted, declined to comment on the schedule of Tehran’s delegation for the second round.
However, Pakistan Foreign Office didn’t offer comment on the development.
The government of Pakistan has rolled out extensive precautionary measures to secure the visiting dignitaries. Serena and Marriott Hotels have been evacuated for VVIP guests, while strict entry restrictions for personnel and vehicles are in force from the evening of April 19 until further notice. The Red Zone remains closed to public movement, with access limited to authorised personnel via Margalla Gate only.
Security has been heightened across sensitive areas, including checkpoints, ID verification, and vehicle searches. Drone surveillance and expanded CCTV monitoring are active in the Red Zone and Diplomatic Enclave.
According to a diplomatic source, there is reason to believe the second phase of talks could yield a positive outcome. Multiple administrative, logistical, and security arrangements have been put in place in anticipation of such a major diplomatic development.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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