Above photo: The Telegraph.
Officials in Islamabad say that hopes of a second round of Iran-US talks are ‘rapidly fading’.
White House special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff set off for Islamabad on 25 April to pursue new negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi, who arrived in the Pakistani capital on Friday.
While the US envoys claimed that they would hold an “in-person conversation” with Iranian officials, Araghchi confirmed he has “no plans” to meet US officials, and that Islamabad will act as an intermediary to “convey” Tehran’s proposals.
Prominent Pakistani journalist Kamran Khan wrote on social media that prospects for a second round of Iran-US talks are “rapidly fading,” citing informed sources, as Tehran remains steadfast on ending the US naval blockade of its ports.
“Iran continues to insist that the Americans end their naval blockade as a precondition for opening the second round of talks,” Khan reported.
Informed sources are saying:
Prospects for the resumption of the second round of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad today are rapidly fading, as Tehran is still not ready to meet the U.S. delegation, which was expected to arrive late tonight from Washington. Iran continues to insist…— Kamran Khan (@AajKamranKhan) April 25, 2026
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday and met with Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, who is playing a central role in mediation efforts.
Discussions focused on the ceasefire, ending the war, and restoring regional stability, as Araghchi presented Tehran’s response to US proposals. He laid out Iran’s demands and reservations regarding Washington’s terms, while outlining Tehran’s position on recent developments.
This marked the first stop of a regional tour that will also take Iran’s top diplomat to Oman and Russia to coordinate efforts to end the war.
The negotiations come as pressure builds on Washington to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy route controlled by Iran since the start of the US-Israeli war of aggression.
International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol warned on 23 April that the blockade has removed around 13 million barrels per day from global markets, calling it “the biggest energy security threat in history.”
Speaking to CNBC, he said the disruption stems from a “double-blockade” by Iran and the US, which has halted a major share of global oil and LNG flows.
With up to 20 million barrels previously passing through the strait daily, the shutdown is straining global supply, cutting off key fuel supplies to Southeast Asia and Europe, and raising the risk of shortages, inflation, and even rationing.
While emergency reserves are being deployed, Birol cautioned they only “buy time,” warning that prolonged disruption could force shifts back to coal and trigger lasting changes in global energy policy.
