ISLAMABAD – US and Iranian teams are likely to hold a second round of talks involving their technical-level teams in Pakistan’s capital as early as Monday, Pakistani government sources told Anadolu on Saturday. Sources said that the technical-level teams of both sides are expected to meet in Islamabad for the next round of talks “most probably on Monday” to finalize a negotiated settlement of the weeks-long conflict between the US and Iran that has crippled global energy supplies and daily life in the wider Middle East.
“Once they reach a draft, President (Donald) Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and some other important heads of states will air dash to the capital (Islamabad) to sign the deal,” a source said, referring to multiple reports that alongside Trump and Pezeshkian, leaders of several other regional countries are also expected to attend the signing ceremony.
Message Exchanges Continue
Negotiators from the two warring sides are continuing to exchange messages through Islamabad since the conclusion of the first round of the talks on April 11-12 in Islamabad to reach a “maximum understanding” before the beginning of the next phase of the much-awaited parleys, sources added.
Trump Open to Visiting Islamabad
Trump said Thursday that if an agreement is reached with Iran, he may go to Islamabad for the signing of the deal. “I would go to Pakistan, yeah. Pakistan has been great …” he told reporters. “If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go.”
A Pakistani government official told Anadolu, on condition of anonymity, that logistical arrangements have already been launched for the arrival of US and Iranian delegations, as well as media personnel covering the event.
No Official Announcement Yet
On Friday, US media reported that talks are expected to take place on Monday in Islamabad. There has been no official announcement from any of the sides about the timeframe for the next round of talks. Iranian sources familiar with the negotiations said negotiators from both sides are expected to arrive in Islamabad on Sunday, according to CNN.
Strait of Hormuz Declared Open
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for all commercial vessels. The decision was made “in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon,” he said on the US social media platform X.
Pakistan Army Chief Concludes Iran Visit
On Saturday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s army, said that army chief Field Marshal Munir, along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a delegation, had concluded a three-day official visit to Iran. During the visit, Munir met Iranian President Pezeshkian and held separate meetings with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam ul Anbiya headquarters.
The discussions, according to the ISPR, focused on bringing sustainable peace to the region, with particular emphasis on the evolving regional security environment, ongoing diplomatic engagements, and collaborative measures aimed at promoting enduring peace and stability. Munir “underscored the need for dialogue, de-escalation, and peaceful resolution of outstanding issues through sustained diplomatic engagements,” the statement said.
Background
A previous round of discussions between the US and Iran held last weekend ended without an agreement, despite 16 hours of negotiations, which were held after Pakistan secured a two-week ceasefire on April 8. With Islamabad positioning itself as a key diplomatic hub, all eyes are now on whether the anticipated second round of US-Iran talks materialises before the April 21 target date.
Analysis: A Critical Week Ahead
The expected second round of technical talks in Islamabad represents a critical opportunity to build on the progress made during the first round. The fact that technical teams — rather than political leaders — are meeting suggests that the sides are close to an agreement and are now ironing out details.
Trump’s statement that he may travel to Islamabad for the signing of a deal is significant. A US president visiting Pakistan would be a historic event, underscoring the importance of the agreement and Pakistan’s role as a mediator.
Iran’s declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for commercial vessels is a major concession. The closure of the strait has been the central point of leverage for Iran; opening it suggests that Tehran believes a deal is within reach.
As the April 21 target date approaches, the next few days will determine whether the ceasefire leads to a permanent peace agreement.
