United States Vice President JD Vance is preparing to arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for a second round of US-Iran ceasefire talks aimed at ending a conflict now in its eighth week.
- A two-week ceasefire is set to expire Wednesday evening US time (Thursday morning in the Middle East).
- Tensions have escalated following the US seizure of two Iranian-linked cargo vessels, the Touska and M/T Tifani.
- The primary diplomatic hurdles remain the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and demands regarding Iranian uranium enrichment.
Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad late Wednesday morning, accompanied by US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. At least nine US aircraft have already landed in Pakistan over the last three days to transport personnel and equipment for the negotiating team.
Despite the US preparations, Iranian officials maintain they have no plans to return to the negotiating table. Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused President Trump of attempting to turn the proceedings into a “table of surrender.”
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, stated on social media that the nation would not negotiate under “threat and force.” Similarly, Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, called for 100% readiness in anticipation of further US attacks.
Rising Tensions and Naval Blockades
The diplomatic efforts come amid heightened military friction. On Sunday, US naval forces fired upon and boarded the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman for attempting to bypass a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran described the seizure as “criminal” and a violation of the ceasefire. On Tuesday, the US announced it had also boarded a second vessel, the M/T Tifani, in the Asia Pacific region, which was already under sanctions for carrying Iranian oil.
Some analysts suggest the release of the Touska crew could provide a narrow opening for Iran to soften its position. Others argue that a tangible easing of the blockade is the primary signal Tehran requires before re-engaging.
Internal Iranian Dynamics
Analysts point to a divide within Tehran between the diplomatic team and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC has reportedly pushed for a firmer line, conditioning any talks on a full end to the US naval blockade.
This internal friction was highlighted over the weekend when ships attempting to pass through the strait were allegedly fired upon by Iran, leading India to summon Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi.
The US-Iran Ceasefire Talks Fault Lines
President Trump has established firm requirements for any agreement, demanding that Iran end uranium enrichment and surrender its existing stockpiles. He has stated that the Hormuz blockade will not be lifted until Tehran agrees to negotiate.
The timeframe for a moratorium on enrichment remains a central point of contention. In previous talks, US negotiators proposed a 20-year pause, while Iran countered with five years. Trump has since refused to set a specific timeframe, demanding a total end to enrichment.
Trump’s public messaging has further complicated the process. His claims on Truth Social regarding finalized provisions—which Iranian officials rejected—have caused strain and increased mistrust during previous diplomatic efforts.
Whether a second round of talks will actually occur remains uncertain. While the state broadcaster of the Islamic Republic of Iran said no diplomatic delegation has traveled to Islamabad, other Iranian sources indicate a team may still attend depending on security considerations.
President Trump has extended the ceasefire deadline by 24 hours to Wednesday evening Washington time, noting that a further extension is “highly unlikely.”
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