ISLAMABAD – Despite Iran’s official rejection of a second round of peace talks with the United States, sources close to Pakistani media have indicated that an Iranian delegation is expected to arrive in the Pakistani capital for potential negotiations as the April 22 ceasefire deadline approaches .
Iranian state media including IRNA and Tasnim have repeatedly stated there is currently “no decision” to send a negotiating team to Pakistan, citing Washington’s “excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade” which Tehran considers a breach of the ceasefire .
However, reports from Pakistani and international outlets suggest backchannel efforts continue behind the scenes. Pakistani officials have been quietly preparing security and logistical arrangements in Islamabad, according to sources cited by Xinhua .
A Pakistani delegation including senior military figures recently visited Tehran to convey messages and explore the possibility of further dialogue. Pakistan has positioned itself as a neutral facilitator in the sensitive negotiations, having hosted the first round of historic direct US-Iran talks on April 11-12 .
While those talks ended without a full agreement after 21 hours of negotiations, they also did not result in a breakdown. Since then, communication has continued through indirect channels via Pakistan, keeping a fragile dialogue alive .
The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan is set to expire on April 22, adding urgency to the diplomatic efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently held a 45-minute phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss regional peace and security .
The situation remains fluid, with analysts noting the coming days will be critical as diplomatic channels remain active between Islamabad, Tehran, and Washington .
