rki.news | Sources: International reports
ISLAMABAD: Despite mixed public signals, the United States and Iran are preparing to send delegations to new peace talks scheduled this week in Islamabad, according to officials.
Sources said U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel from Washington to Islamabad on Tuesday with a team of negotiators. Iranian officials indicated that senior political and military figure Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf may also attend if the U.S. delegation participates, signaling cautious progress toward renewed dialogue.
The talks come after days of escalating rhetoric and uncertainty over the future of a fragile ceasefire. Both sides have exchanged warnings, while also expressing conditional support for diplomacy.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on social media that Iran could secure a “great and prosperous future” if its leadership engages constructively. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said war benefits no side but emphasized deep mistrust remains between the two nations.
Tensions have also increased in the Strait of Hormuz following maritime confrontations, including the seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel by U.S. forces, which Tehran has condemned as “piracy.”
Pakistan is preparing to host the negotiations with heightened security, deploying additional personnel in Islamabad. Officials say the country aims to facilitate dialogue and reduce regional escalation risks.
Analysts say the upcoming round of talks could be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can stabilize rapidly deteriorating regional tensions or whether confrontation will intensify further.