Pakistan in push for new round of US-Iran peace negotiations
Pakistan is actively mediating a second round of direct US-Iran peace talks following the failure of initial negotiations in Islamabad. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir recently met an Iranian delegation, and a high-level team including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi traveled to Tehran to sustain momentum amid a fragile ceasefire set to expire around April 22, 2026.
Tensions escalated after US President Donald Trump’s deadline for action against Iran, prompting Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to secure a two-week truce last week. The first 21-hour session in Islamabad addressed nuclear issues, sanctions, Strait of Hormuz security, and regional stability but ended without agreement.
Key Players
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Pakistan: Positioning as regional peacemaker, with leaders like Sharif, Munir, and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar coordinating via calls to Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
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US: Seeks curbs on Iran’s nuclear program; Trump indicated round two could occur soon, possibly in Islamabad or Geneva.
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Iran: Demands sanctions relief, US base closures in the Gulf, and guarantees against attacks; negotiators like Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed thanks to Pakistan.
Both sides have consented to further talks, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres deeming resumption “highly probable.” Pakistan remains in contact with Washington and Tehran to host promptly before the ceasefire lapses, though core disputes persist.
