US-Iran peace talks set to resume after previous last-minute collapse

Oliver Partridge
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:03:32 +0000

Diplomacy between the US and Iran is set to resume today following a turbulent period whereby a ceasefire agreement between the nations collapsed.

Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi is set to depart for the Pakistani capital this evening, according to a Pakistani government source.

The foreign minister will be accompanied by a limited delegation, with American logistics and security personnel having already arrived in Islamabad ahead of his visit.

The trip is expected to pave the way for renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran, with Pakistani officials serving as intermediaries.

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This potential second round of diplomatic engagement follows the breakdown of direct discussions between Washington and Tehran at the start of this week.

Conflict has ensued in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran targeting US vessels it deemed to be in breach of regulations.

Pakistani mediators have played a central role in facilitating dialogue between the two nations.

Earlier today, Araghchi held telephone conversations with his Pakistani counterpart as well as the country's army chief.

These discussions appear to have been instrumental in arranging the forthcoming visit, and setting the stage for a fresh attempt at diplomacy.

Earlier in the week, Donald Trump decided to prolong the two-week ceasefire with Iran, reversing course dramatically after earlier aggressive statements.

The US president had declared just hours before that he "expected to be bombing," with American forces described as "raring to go."

However, his position shifted markedly as diplomatic efforts intensified to restart negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

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The announcement, posted on his Truth Social platform, marked an abrupt change in tone during what proved to be a volatile day for US-Iran relations on Tuesday, with the administration scrambling to find a path back to the negotiating table.

The extension came at the request of Pakistan's leadership, specifically Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to Trump's statement.

He cited the "seriously fractured" state of Iran's government as justification for allowing additional time.

Trump indicated this internal division was not unexpected, but necessitated patience for Iranian officials to coordinate their response.

The president stipulated that the ceasefire would remain in effect until Tehran's representatives deliver a unified peace proposal.

Negotiations are now set to proceed, with Mr Trump noting discussions would be "concluded, one way or the other" - leaving open the possibility of resumed hostilities.

Mr Trump directed the US military to maintain its blockade of Iran while keeping forces in a state of readiness for potential action.

His instructions made clear that American troops should "remain ready and able" throughout the extended ceasefire period.

Vice President JD Vance had been expected to travel to Islamabad, but this trip was placed on hold amid the rapidly shifting diplomatic landscape.

Trump's rhetoric throughout the week has shifted between aggressive posturing and diplomatic sensibility, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the standoff's ultimate resolution.