2nd round of talks may extend ceasefire, boost peace hopes

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani mediators expressed cautious optimism on Monday that a second round of US-Iran talks, tentatively expected to begin late Tuesday or Wednesday in Islamabad, could pave the way for a historic peace agreement – or at least extend a two-week ceasefire due to expire this week.

Uncertainty, however, continues to cloud the prospects of the talks, as Iran has indicated it may not send negotiators to the Pakistani capital, citing ceasefire violations.

These include the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since April 13 and the overnight seizure of an Iranian container ship.

READ MORE: Islamabad set to host second round of talks

While Pakistan has finalised arrangements to host the discussions, the attendance of the Iranian delegation remains unclear, even as US technical teams have already arrived in the capital. According to sources, the Iranian delegation is expected on Tuesday, following persuasion by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a 45-minute telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in an effort to secure Tehran’s engagement. As of Monday, Iran had not formally confirmed its participation.

Sources familiar with the developments told Business Recorder that urgent efforts are underway to bring Iran to the table, underscoring Pakistan’s role as a neutral broker in one of the region’s most sensitive diplomatic endeavours.

The inaugural “Islamabad Talks,” held on April 11-12, saw the participation of senior Iranian figures, including Parliament Speaker Baqir Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

On Monday, Ghalibaf reiterated Tehran’s deep scepticism towards Washington in a post on social media platform X, stating: “We do not trust the enemy. At any moment, it may escalate the war.”

He recalled past conflicts with the US and Israel as “initiated through American deception in the middle of negotiations,” stressing that Iran had drawn lessons from the 12-day war in June 2025 and remained prepared for future confrontations.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the negotiations would take place in Islamabad, noting that the high-powered delegation from the first round – including Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner – would once again meet with Iranian officials.

Ahead of the expected talks, Islamabad has been transformed into a fortress in anticipation of the talks, with extraordinary security measures implemented across the federal capital and neighbouring garrison city Rawalpindi.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held separate meetings with US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, reportedly to finalise logistics.

More than 10,000 security personnel, including commandos and snipers, have been deployed across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Additional measures are in place at Nur Khan Airbase, where foreign delegates are expected to arrive.

The high-security Red Zone and surrounding key routes have been sealed, public transport temporarily suspended, and two luxury hotels – Serena and Marriott – vacated for visiting delegations.

On Monday, a US Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III was observed preparing to land at Nur Khan Airbase, signalling the arrival of American personnel and equipment for the security-intensive summit.

As Pakistan braces for what could become a defining moment in US-Iran relations, officials remain guardedly hopeful, carefully balancing the prospect of a breakthrough against Tehran’s enduring scepticism.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026