US and Iran agree to continue talks after Islamabad meeting

Senior journalist Hamid Mir has revealed that the United States and Iran have agreed to hold another round of negotiations following their recent high-level meeting in Islamabad, signalling continued diplomatic engagement despite the lack of a breakthrough.

Speaking on a television programme, Mir said the talks should not be viewed as unsuccessful, emphasising that such complex negotiations rarely yield immediate results. “These discussions don’t end in a concrete resolution in just one or two sittings,” he noted.

According to Mir, both delegations engaged in lengthy discussions and identified areas where consensus could be reached, while other issues require further consultation with their respective leaderships. However, neither side disclosed specific details publicly.

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He added that JD Vance indicated a cautious approach after discussions with Iranian Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stating that further consultations with Donald Trump would take place before any announcements.

While the US delegation departed early, the Iranian team remained in Pakistan briefly to thank local authorities for facilitating the talks. Both sides agreed to meet again, though the timing and venue for the next round remain undecided.

Mir highlighted that efforts are underway to extend the current two-week ceasefire, with indirect contacts expected to continue. He also pointed to the involvement of other countries, including Turkiye and China, as key players in maintaining diplomatic momentum.

On substantive issues, Mir suggested there may be room for compromise on Iran’s uranium programme and sanctions relief. However, he identified the situation in Lebanon as the primary sticking point, with Iran unwilling to compromise on matters related to regional allies.

Despite ongoing challenges, the continuation of dialogue indicates that both sides remain open to a negotiated path forward.