US-Iran Negotiations Accelerate Toward Possible Deal Amid Pakistani Mediation

Talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their nearly seven-week conflict have entered a critical phase, with Pakistani sources indicating that a breakthrough could be near and negotiations are now in their final stages.

The latest developments follow high-level but inconclusive discussions held in Islamabad earlier this month, the first direct, face-to-face engagement between Washington and Tehran in decades. Those marathon talks, which stretched over 20 hours, failed to produce an agreement on key sticking points, including Iran’s nuclear program, enriched uranium stockpiles, sanctions relief, and secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan has emerged as the central mediator, facilitating indirect communications and hosting the initial round of negotiations. In recent days, Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir led a high-level delegation to Tehran to deliver messages from the US side and push for a second round of talks in Islamabad. No firm date has been confirmed for the next meeting, though officials from both sides have kept the possibility open for later this week or early next.

A fragile two-week ceasefire, brokered with significant Pakistani involvement, is approaching its expiration, heightening the urgency. US President Donald Trump has voiced optimism, describing the situation as “very close to being over” and suggesting he could personally travel to Islamabad to finalize any agreement. Iranian officials have acknowledged some narrowing of differences through mediation but continue to emphasize remaining gaps, particularly on nuclear restrictions.

Recent reports suggest both parties may be leaning toward an interim memorandum rather than a comprehensive long-term pact. Such a temporary arrangement could focus on extending the ceasefire, easing select sanctions, and ensuring safe maritime traffic in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where US naval operations have added pressure.

Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have gained regional traction, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaging leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye to build broader support. Pakistani officials describe their role as keeping dialogue channels open despite deep-seated mistrust between the two adversaries.