There are cautious signs of progress towards peace, as negotiating teams from the U.S. and Iran consider returning to Islamabad later this week to resume talks aimed at ending the Gulf conflict.
Officials from both Iran and Pakistan say discussions are continuing behind the scenes, although no final date has been agreed. One Iranian official in Islamabad suggested a new round could take place “later this week or early next week”, while sources on both sides indicated the window from Friday to Sunday remains open.
The possible return comes just days after an initial round of talks in the Pakistani capital ended without a breakthrough. Despite the lack of immediate progress, the meeting marked a significant moment - the first direct encounter between senior American and Iranian officials in more than a decade.
A Pakistani official said Islamabad had received a “positive response” from Tehran about holding further talks and is now working quietly to coordinate timing with both sides. Another source familiar with the negotiations described a proposal already shared with Washington and Tehran to bring delegations back to the table.
For many observers, the renewed diplomatic effort offers a rare glimmer of hope in a tense and uncertain standoff. Ordinary people across the region, already feeling the strain of rising prices and instability, are likely to be hoping the talks gain traction.
The previous round was led by JD Vance for the U.S. and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf for Iran. After the meeting, Vance said Washington had presented what he called its “final and best offer,” adding: “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”
Key sticking points remain deeply sensitive. Among them is the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies that has become a flashpoint in the crisis. Iran’s nuclear programme and longstanding international sanctions are also central to the dispute.
There has been no immediate comment from the White House, and Pakistani authorities have remained tight-lipped, reflecting the delicate nature of the negotiations.
For now, the situation hangs in the balance - with diplomacy inching forward, but no guarantee that it will deliver the breakthrough many are hoping for.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry says it has conveyed its initial position to the United States through Qatar over Washington’s response to Tehr...
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 5 October 2026. These are the top five elections making headlines around the world....
The United States has withdrawn all 12 of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain, just a week after several people were arrested over an alle...
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), appointed as acting oil minister, according to Iranian state media.
Right-wing Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a runoff of the presidential election later this month, after he exceeded expectations in Sunday's first-round vote with a slight lead over the incumbent.
Candidates elected to Bosnia and Herzegovina's three-member presidency declared victory after preliminary unofficial results showed Denis Becirovic leading the Bosniak seat, Darijana Filipovic ahead in the Croat seat and Zeljka Cvijanovic likely retaining the Serb seat.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions agreed under a June memorandum, as President Donald Trump signals he may soon decide whether to resume military operations against Tehran.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
Iran’s Foreign Ministry says it has conveyed its initial position to the United States through Qatar over Washington’s response to Tehran’s seven-day plan aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
More than 1.2 million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan so far in 2026, with more than 500,000 deported, according to data from the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), appointed as acting oil minister, according to Iranian state media.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
The world’s space community is heading to Antalya for the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), taking place from 5 to 9 October.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment