US considers another round of in-person talks with Iran as ceasefire deadline looms
Washington, April 14
US officials are deliberating the possibility of convening another in-person meeting with Iranian officials before the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran expires, although a final decision has not yet been taken, CNN reported.
The officials are reviewing potential dates and locations, contingent on the progress of ongoing talks with Iran and regional mediators in the coming days.
A source described the discussions as preliminary.
"We need to be prepared to stand something up quickly should things head in that direction," the source said, quoted by CNN.
Marathon meeting in Islamabad on April 11 marked the culmination of weeks of negotiations involving senior US officials and intermediaries from Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Oman and others.
A regional source told CNN that another round of negotiations remains possible, with Turkey reportedly working to bridge differences between both sides.
Before Islamabad was finalised for the talks, several locations, including Geneva, Vienna and Istanbul, were under consideration.
Geneva and Islamabad are again being discussed as potential venues for another round of negotiations, a source said, as reported by CNN.
People familiar with the negotiations indicated that the US administration remains cautiously optimistic that a diplomatic breakthrough is still achievable. Depending on progress, both sides could consider extending the ceasefire deadline to allow additional time for negotiations.
Meanwhile, a US official confirmed that discussions between Washington and Tehran are ongoing.
"There is continued engagement between the US and Iran and forward motion on trying to get an agreement," the official said, quoted by CNN.
Separately, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran had reached out to the administration earlier on Monday, claiming that Tehran "would like to make a deal very badly."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see Islamabad as a venue. Pakistan playing mediator in US-Iran talks while we have our own tensions with them... the geopolitics is never simple. Hope any deal considers regional stability for all neighbours.
"Cautiously optimistic" – that's diplomatic code for "we have no clue". The US approach seems very reactive. A more consistent foreign policy would benefit the whole world, including India's strategic planning.
As someone living in Delhi, I just hope this doesn't lead to more conflict in the region. We have enough challenges. Diplomacy is always better than the alternative.
Trump saying Iran "would like to make a deal very badly" sounds like a negotiation tactic to me. The real question is what concessions each side is willing to make. India should watch this closely for Chabahar port implications.
Respectfully, I think the article focuses too much on the US perspective. What does Iran actually want? And what about the voices from the region like Oman and Egypt mentioned? A more balanced report would be helpful.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.