ISLAMABAD, April 21, 2026 (MediaBites): Pakistan said on Tuesday it is still awaiting a formal response from Tehran on its participation in a second round of high-stakes talks with the United States, as a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Iran hangs in the balance.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad remains in constant contact with Iranian authorities, but no confirmation had been received by late evening regarding Tehran’s attendance at the proposed talks in Islamabad.
“The ceasefire ends early morning April 22 (PST), and a decision from Iran before that is critical,” Tarar said, adding that Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.
The development comes as Pakistan positions itself as a key mediator between Tehran and Washington following weeks of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to extend the ceasefire and prioritize diplomacy during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar emphasized that dialogue remains “the only viable path” to achieving lasting regional peace and stability. The US diplomat, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and positive role” in facilitating talks.
ceasefire deadline looms
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump struck a hardline tone, warning that military action could resume if a deal is not reached.
“We’re going to end up with a great deal… but if not, the military is ready,” Trump said in remarks to CNBC, adding that extending the ceasefire is “highly unlikely.”
The two-week truce, already strained by mutual accusations of violations, is now set to expire Wednesday evening US time. Trump has accused Iran of breaching the ceasefire “numerous times,” while Tehran has countered with allegations of US “provocations,” including naval actions and port blockades.
uncertainty over talks
Despite Pakistan’s preparations, uncertainty clouds the second round of negotiations. A US delegation, reportedly including Vice President JD Vance, is expected in Islamabad, but Iranian participation remains unconfirmed.
Iranian state media said no delegation had departed for talks, with officials indicating that any engagement would depend on a “change in US behavior.” President Masoud Pezeshkian has criticized what he described as “contradictory signals” from Washington.
Tensions have further escalated following the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman, a move Tehran labeled “piracy.” The incident, along with disputes over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear commitments, has deepened the impasse.
pakistan’s mediation role
Pakistan has emerged as a central diplomatic channel since the conflict intensified in late February, even being acknowledged by both sides as a key mediator. The first round of talks held in Islamabad earlier this month ended without a breakthrough but avoided a collapse, keeping the ceasefire intact.
With time running out and positions hardening, the coming hours are seen as critical for determining whether diplomacy prevails—or the region slips back into open conflict.
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