A second round of high-level talks between United States and Iran is expected to take place in Islamabad, marking a critical moment in ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease rising tensions between the two nations.
According to international media reports, the negotiations are likely to be held on Monday, although US officials have yet to formally confirm the schedule. The first round of discussions, also held in Islamabad, resulted in preliminary agreements and a mutual willingness to continue dialogue.
The US delegation in earlier talks was led by Vice President JD Vance and included Jared Kushner along with special envoy Steve Witkoff. On the Iranian side, the delegation was headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The upcoming talks come at a time when tensions between the two countries have sharply escalated. US President Donald Trump has warned that the current ceasefire could collapse within days if a long-term agreement is not reached. He has also reiterated that the US naval blockade on Iranian ports will remain in place.
In response, Iran has issued strong warnings, including the possibility of closing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Such a move could disrupt global oil supply and trigger economic instability worldwide.
Iranian officials, including defence spokesperson Reza Talaei-Nik, have described the current situation as fragile, noting that the strait remains open only under ceasefire conditions. Meanwhile, Iran continues to allow commercial shipping, but has cautioned against the passage of hostile vessels.
The expected talks in Islamabad are being seen as a crucial opportunity to de-escalate tensions and avoid a potential conflict that could have serious global consequences. With a key deadline approaching, the outcome of these discussions may determine whether diplomacy prevails or the region moves toward further confrontation.
