Iran has not yet approved a second round of negotiations with the United States, amid continuing tensions over sanctions, maritime restrictions, and recent regional hostilities, according to Iranian media reports.
The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that Tehran has so far declined to confirm further talks, citing what it described as “excessive demands” from Washington and the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports.
According to the report, Iranian authorities stressed that easing US pressure and removing stringent negotiation conditions are essential prerequisites for any continuation of diplomatic engagement. It also claimed that this position has been conveyed to the US side through mediators from Pakistan.
These developments come despite earlier reports suggesting that a second round of US–Iran dialogue could take place in Islamabad, with delegations possibly arriving over the weekend for talks scheduled on Monday. However, no final confirmation has been issued by either side.
Earlier, both countries had held a rare round of direct discussions in Pakistan last week, but the meeting concluded without any breakthrough agreement.
The tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated significantly after joint US-Israel military action on Iran in late February, which triggered retaliatory strikes from Tehran targeting Israeli positions and US-linked assets across the region. The conflict led to widespread instability, particularly affecting energy routes and raising concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
A temporary ceasefire, reportedly brokered through Pakistani mediation efforts, has been in place since early April, but diplomatic progress toward a lasting settlement remains uncertain.
Earlier, Authorities in Islamabad have intensified preparations for a possible second round of US–Iran peace talks, with security, logistics, and city-wide arrangements being fast-tracked amid expectations of a high-profile diplomatic gathering.
According to official sources, the capital is being readied for what could become a landmark round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. While a final date has not been confirmed, reports suggest the talks may take place by the end of next week, with some indications pointing to an earlier meeting as soon as Monday.
The proposed dialogue in Islamabad is expected to draw participation not only from senior negotiating teams of both countries but also from several world leaders. These may include US President Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, especially for a potential agreement-signing ceremony.
