Islamabad or Geneva? A new round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran under consideration
On the eve of the completion of the first week of the temporary truce between the two sides, a new round of negotiations is looming on the horizon, one that could reshape the contours of the crisis.
The United States and Iran are considering holding new direct negotiations in an attempt to reach an agreement aimed at ending the six-week-long war before the ceasefire expires next week.
The agency quoted U.S. officials and a person familiar with the developments as saying that discussions are still ongoing regarding a new round of talks, while a diplomat from one of the mediating countries went further, stating that Tehran and Washington may have already agreed to this.
The diplomat and U.S. officials noted, however, that it remains unclear whether the same level of delegation is expected to attend.
While all three sources mentioned Islamabad as a proposed venue to host the talks again, they indicated that Geneva remains an option. Although neither the location nor the timing has yet been finalized, the talks could possibly be held on Thursday.
Regarding Islamabad, two Pakistani officials stated that their country had proposed hosting a second round of talks between Washington and Tehran in the coming days before the ceasefire ends.
The two officials, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said that the proposal would depend on whether the parties request a change in the venue.
One of the officials explained that the first round of talks, despite ending without an agreement, is part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a standalone effort.
The White House did not respond to inquiries regarding the possibility of holding a new round of negotiations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and the negotiating team have clearly defined the U.S. red lines.”
“Progress” and doubts
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated in an interview on the program “Special Report” on Fox News that the negotiations had made “some progress” during the Islamabad talks, particularly regarding the U.S. insistence on removing nuclear materials from Iran and establishing a mechanism to ensure that uranium enrichment does not occur in the future.
He said: “They have moved in our direction.” He added that he believes Iranian negotiators “are unable to finalize an agreement” without obtaining approval from other authorities in Tehran.
He expressed his belief that “a major agreement is indeed within reach, but the next step is up to the Iranians.”
Earlier on Monday, Donald Trump told reporters: “We received a call from the other side,” and that they “want to reach an agreement.”
