US-Iran Talks: Next Round Likely in Pakistan After No Deal

Iranian officials have indicated that a new round of negotiations between the United States and Iran is likely to take place in Pakistan on Monday, according to reports from Iranian sources cited by the Deccan Chronicle.

The talks are expected to occur in Islamabad, continuing a pattern of using Pakistan as a mediator in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington, and Tehran. This follows the first round of high-level discussions held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, which marked the most significant direct engagement between the two countries in decades, according to Al Jazeera.

Although the initial talks did not result in an agreement, they occurred within the framework of a two-week ceasefire that began after nearly six weeks of fighting in the broader regional conflict involving Israel and Iran. The ceasefire, which is set to expire on April 22, has created a narrow window for diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to full-scale hostilities.

Pakistan’s military leadership has been actively involved in facilitating dialogue. A Pakistani delegation led by Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir visited Tehran on April 16, carrying a message from the United States aimed at advancing preparations for a second round of talks. This diplomatic outreach underscores Islamabad’s ongoing role as a intermediary in the U.S.-Iran dialogue process.

The U.S. And Iran will likely return to Pakistan next week for a second round of peace negotiations, two senior Pakistani officials told MS NOW.

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Despite the optimism from Pakistani officials, U.S. Leadership has signaled conditions for continued engagement. President Donald Trump has stated that the ceasefire may not be extended if negotiations fail, and warned that the U.S. Would take a firmer stance on Iran’s nuclear materials in the absence of a deal. He has also expressed confidence that both sides remain close to reaching an agreement.

President Donald Trump says he may not extend the ceasefire with Iran if negotiations fail. He also warned the U.S. Would secure Iran’s nuclear material “in a much more unfriendly form” if no deal is reached for its peaceful transfer.

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Regional actors have also weighed in on the diplomatic process. Indonesia has publicly encouraged both the United States and Iran to continue dialogue, reflecting broader international concern over the potential for escalation. Meanwhile, reports from The Jakarta Post noted that U.S. Negotiators had departed previous discussions without reaching a peace agreement, underscoring the challenges still facing the talks.

Economic pressures continue to shape the environment surrounding the negotiations. Iranian state media reported that Tehran has suspended all petrochemical exports until further notice, while U.S. Enforcement of a naval blockade has severely restricted oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Has maintained that the waterway remains open to commercial vessels, though Iranian officials have warned that access could be restricted if sanctions are not lifted.

As of April 18, 2026, no formal date or location for the next round of talks has been officially confirmed by either government. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged on April 16 that discussions were underway through diplomatic channels in Islamabad, but emphasized that no final arrangements had been made. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can prevent the collapse of the ceasefire and a resumption of widespread conflict.