WASHINGTON — Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are expected to continue efforts in the coming days to bridge gaps between the United States and Iran and revive negotiations aimed at ending the war, Axios reported.
The renewed push comes after 21 hours of high-stakes talks in Islamabad ended without an agreement, though both sides signaled that diplomacy remains viable ahead of the ceasefire deadline on April 21.
Officials said all parties still believe a deal is possible, with mediators hoping that narrowing differences could pave the way for another round of negotiations before the truce expires.
A regional source described the situation as ongoing bargaining rather than a breakdown. “We are not in a complete deadlock. The door is not closed yet. Both sides are bargaining. It’s a bazaar,” sources said.
A US official echoed that view, saying an agreement could be reached if Iran shows greater flexibility and accepts that the proposal discussed in Islamabad represents the most realistic path forward.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said the talks had not failed but instead laid the groundwork for a longer diplomatic process.
“If trust and will are strengthened, we can create a sustainable framework for the interests of all parties,” he wrote on X.
The main sticking points during the Islamabad talks centered on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief, according to officials. Washington has pushed for Tehran to freeze uranium enrichment and relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Iran has demanded the release of frozen assets in return for any concessions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the sides were “inches away” from an agreement before the United States “shifted the goalposts,” a claim not confirmed by US officials, who nonetheless acknowledged that progress had been made.
Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation, held direct talks with Iranian officials for the first time in Islamabad. A US official described the negotiations as “tough” but said they evolved into a “friendly and productive exchange of proposals.”
Despite the lack of a breakthrough, Vance left the door open for further engagement, expressing hope that Iran would reconsider the proposal.
“In the coming days, the Vice President is hopeful that they reflect on the offer that they received and recognize that a deal is in both parties’ interest,” the official said.
Behind the scenes, diplomatic activity has intensified. Turkish and Egyptian foreign ministers have held separate calls with Pakistani officials, as well as with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an effort to keep the process moving.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is considering additional pressure measures, including resuming strikes if a newly announced naval blockade fails to compel Iran to change course.
US Central Command said the blockade, set to take effect Monday, will be enforced against vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, while maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for non-Iranian shipping.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was briefed by Vance after the talks, adding that a key point of contention remains the removal of Iran’s enriched nuclear material and a long-term halt to enrichment.
The Islamabad negotiations were part of broader efforts to end the conflict that began on Feb. 28, which has killed thousands and disrupted global energy markets.
Source: Saudi Gazette