Donald Trump May Travel To Pakistan For In-Person Peace Talks With Iran As Ceasefire Nears End

Last Updated:April 21, 2026, 12:12 IST

The United States is optimistic that peace talks with Iran could resume in Pakistan, with a source saying negotiations are on track as the ceasefire deadline approaches.

Momentum is building for the resumption of peace talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, with signs that negotiations could restart as early as Wednesday.

Reuters quoted a Pakistani source involved in the discussions as saying that there was movement towards reconvening dialogue and indicated that US President Donald Trump could attend either in person or virtually if an agreement were to be signed.

“Things are moving forward, and the talks are on track for tomorrow," the source said on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity.

The United States has expressed confidence that talks aimed at ending hostilities could proceed despite lingering uncertainty as the ceasefire period nears its end.

A senior Iranian official was also quoted as saying that Tehran was “positively reviewing" whether to participate in the negotiations, even after previously ruling out joining the process.

However, the official emphasised that no final decision had yet been taken.

Washington is seeking an agreement that would prevent further volatility in oil prices and financial markets.

Trump has maintained that any deal must ensure Iran does not acquire the means to develop a nuclear weapon.

Tehran, for its part, is attempting to leverage its strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz to secure sanctions relief and avoid a resumption of the war while ensuring that its nuclear programme is not restricted.

MARKETS EDGE LOWER AS TALKS RAISE HOPES OF STABILITY

Oil prices declined and stock markets showed signs of recovery in early Asian trading on Tuesday as expectations grew that negotiations could resume this week. Previous rounds of talks in Islamabad had ended without a breakthrough, contributing to fluctuations in global energy markets.

Brent crude futures fell 54 cents, or 0.6%, to $94.94 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery declined $1.11, or 1.2%, to $88.50. Oil prices had climbed roughly 6% on Monday as doubts persisted over whether diplomatic engagement would restart.

Despite signs of progress, tensions remain high following Iran’s condemnation of the United States over what it described as an attack on the Iranian commercial vessel Touska over the weekend. Tehran demanded the immediate release of the vessel, its crew and their families.

“Iran would use all its capabilities to defend its national interests and security and protect the rights and dignity of its citizens… the United States would bear full responsibility for any further escalation in the region," the foreign ministry said, according to Iranian state media.

Maritime security sources indicated that Washington suspects the vessel may have been carrying dual-use materials that could potentially have military applications. U.S. Central Command said the ship failed to comply with repeated warnings during a six-hour standoff and had violated the U.S. blockade.

China, the primary buyer of Iranian crude, also expressed concern over what it described as a “forced interception".

TRUMP REITERATES POSITION ON IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME

Trump said Iran would ultimately engage in negotiations but reiterated Washington’s position that Tehran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons capability.

“They’re going to negotiate, and hopefully they’ll make a fair deal, and they’ll build their country back up, but they will not have – when they do it – they will not have a nuclear weapon," Trump said on the John Fredericks Media Network.

Iranian officials have criticised Washington’s recent actions, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stating that alleged ceasefire violations posed a major obstacle to diplomacy. Senior negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also accused Trump of attempting to increase pressure through a blockade of Iran’s ports, saying he was seeking to “turn the negotiating table into a table of submission". He added that Iran rejects negotiations conducted under threat.

PAKISTAN PREPARES FOR POSSIBLE HIGH-LEVEL ENGAGEMENT

Pakistan has continued logistical preparations to host the talks despite uncertainty over Iran’s participation. Officials said nearly 20,000 security personnel have been deployed across Islamabad in anticipation of high-level diplomatic engagement.

Axios reported that U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan for discussions related to the Iran talks, citing U.S. sources. However, a source earlier told Reuters that Vance was in the United States on Monday, denying reports that he had already departed.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has resulted in thousands of casualties following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and an Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon. The war has disrupted global energy supplies and heightened concerns about broader economic repercussions if tensions escalate further.

The United States has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has repeatedly imposed and lifted restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route that typically handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington believes a deal may be close.

“Thanks to the success of the military operation and his hardline negotiating style, we’re on the brink of a deal," she said on Fox News’ Hannity. “And if not, the president, as commander in chief, still has a number of options at his disposal that he’s unafraid to use."

News world Donald Trump May Travel To Pakistan For In-Person Peace Talks With Iran As Ceasefire Nears End

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