Second round: Iran-US peace talks unlikely tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: Diplomatic sources have confirmed that the second round of Islamabad peace talks between the United States and Iran is unlikely to be held in Islamabad on Monday, as widely anticipated. “The second phase of peace talks, expected to take place in Islamabad, are not going to happen on Monday, ” the sources said. Despite growing expectations around a possible breakthrough, the Iran–US negotiations hosted and facilitated by Pakistan remain a work in progress, with no final agreement reached so far, the diplomatic sources told Business Recorder on Friday. READ ALSO: Face-to-face talks between the US and Iran According to sources familiar with the process, while significant progress has been made and multiple points of convergence identified, the most contentious issues between the two sides are still under negotiation, requiring step-by-step, technical, and politically sensitive engagement rather than a single-stage breakthrough. The development comes amid heightened media speculation following signals that a potential high-level visit, including that of former US President Donald Trump, could be linked to a future signing ceremony in Islamabad. However, officials cautioned that “a deal is only done when it is done, ” stressing that current momentum should not be misread as closure. Sources said Pakistan has already achieved a major diplomatic milestone by bringing both sides into direct engagement for the first time in decades, but emphasised that the process has now entered a more complex phase, where translating political intent into verifiable, legal, and enforceable commitments remains the key challenge. They noted that negotiations of this scale – particularly after over four decades of distrust between Tehran and Washington – are inherently phased and incremental, shaped by domestic political pressures, security considerations, and verification mechanisms. As a result, mixed signals, controlled messaging, and periodic delays are expected features of the ongoing dialogue. “Contact has advanced, but substance is still under negotiation, ” a senior source said, adding that headlines are moving faster than the actual diplomatic process. Officials further highlighted that while both sides have shown clear intent to avoid a return to escalation levels seen in late February, internal dynamics — including hardliners and potential spoilers — continue to pose risks to the pace and outcome of talks. Pakistan, for its part, remains actively engaged as a trusted intermediary, facilitating message exchanges, maintaining continuity of engagement, and positioning Islamabad as the preferred venue for any eventual agreement, if and when finalised. Sources maintained that the trajectory of talks remains positive, with both parties committed to continuing engagement, but underscored that a durable agreement will require patience, sustained diplomacy, and careful management of political sensitivities on all sides. “The intent for peace is there — but the process is not complete yet, ” a diplomatic official said. Nonetheless, special arrangements are being made for delegates from the US, Iran, and other participating countries for the talks. The sources further revealed that technical experts and officials from both countries are expected to arrive late Monday or by Tuesday noon for consultations ahead of face-to-face talks, similar to the first round held last weekend. Meanwhile, extensive maintenance and cleaning activities are under way at the Convention Centre, in the Red Zone, and along the roads leading from Nur Khan Airbase to the Serena Hotel. Beautification and renovation work is also being carried out by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on the instructions of the Interior Ministry. A Foreign Office spokesperson on Thursday had hinted at a second round of talks in Islamabad but declined to disclose any specific date for the US-Iran meeting. At the same time, an official letter seen by Business Recorder confirmed that the second round of US-Iran talks is expected sometime next week. The letter stated: “It is submitted that, in view of the visit of VIP delegations from Iran and the USA for the second round of peace talks, enhanced security measures are being implemented to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of all arrangements. ” It further directed: “Keeping in view the importance of the high-stakes meeting, all employees deployed on duty for the event must visibly display their official service cards at all times. ” The letter added: “No entry will be allowed on the routes or in sensitive areas without service cards. This may kindly be accorded top priority. ” Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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