Pakistan is moving forward with preparations to host a new round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran, even as Tehran has signalled it may not send negotiators to the discussions. The planned talks in Islamabad come amid ongoing efforts to revive a fragile ceasefire that began in April 2026 following weeks of heightened military tensions between the U.S. And Iran, particularly in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
According to Pakistani officials, logistical arrangements are underway at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, the same venue used for the first round of talks held on April 11–12, 2026. The government of Pakistan, which has positioned itself as a neutral facilitator in the U.S.-Iran dialogue, confirmed that preparations include security coordination, media facilitation centres, and technical support for delegations, despite uncertainty over Iranian participation.
The initiative follows a statement from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 20, 2026, in which spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran had no plans to send negotiators to Islamabad for a second round of talks. Baghaei cited what he described as ongoing violations of the ceasefire by the United States, including the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since April 13 and the seizure of an Iranian container ship by U.S. Forces, which Iran says breaches international law.
Despite Iran’s stance, Pakistani officials have maintained that the door remains open for dialogue. A senior government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Islamabad remains confident Iran will eventually join the talks, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to de-escalation and regional stability. The source added that Pakistan continues to engage with both sides through diplomatic channels to preserve the possibility of negotiation.
The U.S. Has not publicly commented on Iran’s refusal to attend but has previously expressed willingness to engage in indirect talks under Pakistani mediation. U.S. Officials have stressed that any negotiations must address concerns over maritime security in the Gulf and the prevention of further escalation, particularly following incidents involving commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts note that the success of any future talks hinges on whether both parties can agree on a mutual understanding of the ceasefire terms. The initial April 2026 talks in Islamabad ended without an agreement, though both sides acknowledged the value of continued engagement. Since then, intermittent communication has occurred through backchannels, but no formal progress has been reported.
The situation remains fluid, with the original ceasefire agreement set to expire unless extended or replaced by a new understanding. Observers warn that a collapse of the truce could increase the risk of further military incidents in the Gulf, affecting global shipping lanes and regional stability. Pakistan’s role as mediator remains critical, given its diplomatic ties with both Washington and Tehran.
As of April 21, 2026, no new date has been set for the proposed talks. Pakistani officials say they are ready to host the discussions whenever both sides indicate readiness to participate. For now, the focus remains on maintaining diplomatic channels and preventing miscalculation during a period of heightened tension.