ISLAMABAD — “Good news” about a second round of talks between the US and Iran may be coming as soon as Friday, President Trump and Pakistani sources told The Post on Wednesday.
Sources in Islamabad touted positive mediation efforts with Tehran, renewing the possibility of more peace talks within the next “36 to 72 hours.” Asked about this possible breakthrough by The Post, Trump, in a text message, said: “It’s possible! President DJT.”
The incremental update comes a day after the US president announced he would extend the current cease-fire with Iran until its divided leadership can come up with “a unified proposal.”
“I have … directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he said in a post to Truth Social on Tuesday.
In the hours since, Islamabad has continued working its diplomatic channels with Iran, and the time period was based on an assessment of that work, a Pakistani source said.
“The ceasefire is holding despite heightened rhetoric, indicating positive intent on both sides,” the source said. “No military escalation from either side.”
“Pakistan remains the key mediator,” the person added.
But without a deal — or even talks — Trump continues to weigh more military options and has kept his blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomacy hinges on Tehran getting its house in order, according to a strategic affairs analyst with insight into discussions inside Pakistan’s foreign affairs and defense ministries.
“Any peace talks at this point will be effectively conditional upon Iran providing a unified response,” the analyst said. “The US stance is that no further negotiations will proceed until Tehran comes up with one, unified offer that represents the consensus of its leadership set-up.”
The source continued: “That is why the current phase is effectively paused until Iran can consolidate its stance into a single negotiating position.”
That sticking point reflects deeper fractures inside Iran’s governing structure, where decision-making power is spread across multiple competing centers between — the elected government, the Guardian Council, the Supreme National Security structures, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
For now, Pakistan’s continues to push mediation and Islamabad is prepared for more high-level talks, viewing the delays as a setback rather than a breakdown in diplomacy.
“The logic is that slowing down now to get a coherent Iranian position increases the chances that any eventual agreement will be durable,” the analyst said.
