ISLAMABAD: The United States and Iran have privately assured participation in a second round of talks in Islamabad, despite public posturing and mixed signals from Tehran that have cast doubt over the negotiations.
Syed Muhammad Ali, a senior security analyst, told We News English that both sides remain committed to dialogue and that recent statements by the US and Iranians were largely aimed at domestic audiences rather than reflecting a breakdown in diplomacy.
“Despite public posturing, both Iran and the US have assured participation in the second round of talks in Islamabad,” he said, adding that the rhetoric was primarily intended for domestic audiences and that the talks were expected to proceed as planned.
Pakistan has stepped up high-level contacts with both Washington and Tehran over the past 24 hours to keep the talks on schedule, expressing confidence that negotiations will proceed as planned.
The renewed push comes as a ceasefire between the two sides approaches its expiry on April 22, increasing pressure to secure an extension or broader agreement.
I had a warm and constructive conversation with President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian this evening on the evolving regional situation.
I appreciated Iran’s engagement, including its high-level delegation to Islamabad for the historic talks, and recent discussions with Field Marshal…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 19, 2026
While Iran’s foreign ministry has said no final decision has been made on participation, Pakistani officials indicated that behind-the-scenes engagement remains active and constructive.
Officials in Islamabad said discussions are expected to focus on extending the ceasefire and moving towards a more comprehensive settlement.
Pakistan, which brokered the initial 14-day truce earlier this month, continues to position itself as an “honest broker”, facilitating communication between the two sides.
The first round of talks helped establish rare direct channels between Washington and Tehran, laying the groundwork for continued engagement despite ongoing tensions.
Officials said progress so far, combined with intensified diplomatic outreach, offers a realistic opportunity to sustain dialogue and prevent escalation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also remained actively engaged, holding discussions with regional leaders and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to build support for the peace process.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasised that Pakistan’s objective goes beyond a temporary truce, aiming instead for a lasting and comprehensive resolution.
Earlier on Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry said no decision had yet been made on attending the next round of talks, despite expectations that a US delegation would arrive in the Pakistani capital.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran currently had no plans for further negotiations, accusing Washington of actions that undermine diplomacy.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran has remained firm on its principled positions in the negotiations. pic.twitter.com/JslyDxjYWF
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) April 20, 2026
He cited recent developments, including a reported US naval action against an Iranian vessel and continued maritime restrictions, as violations of a fragile ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump has said American negotiators would head to Islamabad on Monday, though it remains unclear whether those plans will proceed unchanged.
IRANIAN STATE TV: Iran does not currently plan to participate in further talks with Washington.
PRESIDENT TRUMP to FOX correspondent: “If Iran does not sign this deal, the whole country is getting blown up.”
“LAST CHANCE FOR IRANIANS”
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) April 20, 2026
US President Donald Trump struck a sharply different tone, warning that failure to reach a deal could have severe consequences for Iran, and urging Tehran to accept what he described as a final opportunity.
The situation has been further complicated by developments in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has again restricted shipping, linking any reopening to the lifting of US measures on its ports.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Tehran remained engaged in dialogue but was prepared for escalation, reflecting deep mistrust of Washington.
Despite public tensions and lingering differences, officials say the continued engagement and behind-the-scenes coordination have created a window of opportunity for progress.
With both sides maintaining contact and Pakistan actively facilitating dialogue, there is optimism that the upcoming talks could help extend the ceasefire and lay the groundwork for a broader agreement aimed at long-term stability in the region.
