Islamabad, Pakistan. The United States expressed confidence that peace talks with Iran will proceed in Pakistan, while a senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering taking part as a ceasefire was set to expire soon.
Ceasefire deadline and mixed signals
A two-week truce in the war that the United States and Israel unleashed on Iran on February 28 was due to expire in the next day or two, though officials gave mixed messages about the exact timing.
Talks outlook and unresolved issues
A first session of talks 10 days ago produced no agreement, and Tehran had been ruling out a second round this week after the United States refused to end its blockade of Iranian ports and seized an Iranian cargo ship.
A Pakistani source involved in the discussions told Reuters there was momentum for talks to resume on Wednesday, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance was expected in Islamabad.
An Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran was “positively reviewing” participation but said it was waiting to see whether its conditions would be met, including recognition of its right to enrich uranium.
The Pakistani source, who declined to be identified while discussing confidential diplomatic matters, said U.S. President Donald Trump might attend, either in person or virtually, if a deal were to be signed.
Market reaction to talks expectations
Oil prices eased by about $0.50 and stocks rebounded in Asia on expectations that peace talks would resume this week, while European stocks were flat. Oil had risen about 6% on Monday amid doubts about the talks.
Iran warns of response and underscores mistrust
A senior military commander said on Tuesday that Iran was ready to deliver an “immediate and decisive response” to any renewed hostility, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said on social media that any nation with a great civilisation would not negotiate under threat or force.
Iran’s distrust remains deep, as the United States has twice in the past year unleashed an air war while talks were under way.
What do you think is most likely to determine whether Iran joins the talks in Pakistan?
