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US-Iran Talks "Very Likely" in Pakistan as Islamabad Plays Key Mediator Role

The White House Press Secretary indicated the next round of US-Iran peace talks is very likely to be held in Pakistan, reaffirming Islamabad's unique role as the sole mediator. The diplomatic push comes after inconclusive talks and amid a fragile ceasefire, with Pakistan's military chief recently visiting Tehran. The US sees value in maintaining this streamlined channel, despite recent lengthy direct talks that failed to reach consensus. President Trump has suggested developments could unfold soon, though he is not inclined to extend the current ceasefire.

Key Points: US-Iran Talks Likely in Pakistan, Says White House

  • Pakistan named sole mediator for US-Iran talks
  • Venue likely same as previous Islamabad round
  • Talks aim to revive stalled nuclear negotiations
  • Diplomatic push amid fragile ceasefire and regional tensions
2 min read

Pakistan "very likely" to be venue for next US-Iran negotiation talks: White House

White House says Pakistan is the sole mediator for the next round of US-Iran peace talks, likely to be held in Islamabad amid regional tensions.

"They are the only mediator in this negotiation - Karoline Leavitt"

Washington DC, April 16

The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday said that the next round of peace talks between the United States and Iran is likely to be held in Pakistan.

Responding to a question on the venue of the upcoming talks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the discussions would "very likely" take place at the same location as the previous round.

"They would very likely be in the same place as they were last time," Leavitt said during a press briefing.

Emphasising Islamabad's role, she added, "They (Pakistan) are the only mediator in this negotiation, while there have been many countries around the world that want to offer their help."

Leavitt further said that the US administration sees value in maintaining a streamlined communication channel through Pakistan. "The President feels it's important to continue to streamline this communication through the Pakistanis, and so that's what continues to take place," she said.

The remarks come amid intensified diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran following the inconclusive "Islamabad Talks," which failed to yield a breakthrough on key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme.

In a parallel development, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir recently arrived in Tehran, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in what is being viewed as a last-ditch attempt to reinvigorate stalled talks. The delegation was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with reports suggesting that Islamabad is carrying a fresh US proposal outlining a framework for renewed negotiations.

The diplomatic push comes against the backdrop of a fragile two-week ceasefire and rising tensions in the region, including a looming US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that while he is not inclined to extend the current ceasefire, a negotiated settlement remains the preferred outcome. He has also hinted at possible progress in the coming days, suggesting that developments could unfold within a short timeframe.

Earlier direct talks between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials, held over April 11-12, stretched for 21 hours but ended without consensus, primarily due to disagreements over Tehran's nuclear programme and other "red line" issues.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From a geopolitical perspective, this is a significant role for Pakistan. However, as an Indian, I hope any agreement reached also considers the broader regional stability and doesn't inadvertently empower actors hostile to India. The US must be mindful of that.
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Rohit P
Pakistan mediating between US and Iran? That's like asking the fox to guard the henhouse. Their history with both countries is... complicated, to say the least. Hope the US knows what it's doing. đŸ™„
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Priya S
The real issue is Iran's nuclear program. Any deal that doesn't firmly address that is just kicking the can down the road. India has good relations with both Iran and the US; we need a balanced outcome that doesn't hurt our energy security.
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Vikram M
With the Army Chief himself involved, it shows how high-stakes this is for Pakistan. For us in India, the focus should remain on Chabahar port and our own strategic interests. Let's not get distracted by their diplomatic show.
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Michael C
A respectful criticism: The article focuses heavily on the venue and mediator, but the core "red line" issues like the nuclear program are what will make or break this. Hope the next round actually moves the needle. The 21-hour talks that went nowhere aren't promising.
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Ananya R

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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