Media: US, Iran finalising preparations for talks in Islamabad

Pakistan is preparing to host a high-stakes second round of US–Iran negotiations in Islamabad, likely on April 22, just hours before a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire expires.

Uncertainty continues over Iran’s formal participation, though a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to the capital, The Express Tribune reports.

Conflicting signals emerged over timing, with President Donald Trump telling the New York Post that Vance was already en route, while White House officials said he would depart on Tuesday.

US military aircraft have already been seen landing at Nur Khan Airbase, signalling that preparations are underway despite Tehran’s public hesitation. Iran has accused Washington of failing to respect the ceasefire and demanded an end to the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz before talks proceed.

"Honouring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue. Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward U.S. government conduct remains, while unconstructive and contradictory signals from American officials carry a bitter message: they seek Iran's surrender. Iranians do not submit to force," Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on X.

Trump, however, defended the US position and maintained pressure on Tehran. "THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a 'DEAL,' is absolutely destroying Iran. They are losing $500 Million Dollars a day, an unsustainable number, even in the short run," he posted on Truth Social.

He also said, "our Military has been amazing," while criticising major US media outlets and claiming Iranian losses had been severe, adding that the situation amounted to "regime change". "The Fake News Media is rooting for Iran to win," he said, adding such efforts would fail because "I'm in charge!".

Diplomatic sources in Islamabad say both sides are engaging in parallel backchannel contacts despite public posturing. Pakistani officials, while tight-lipped, acknowledge that preparations for “Islamabad Round 2” are in their final stages.

A report said Field Marshal Asim Munir had spoken with President Trump, during which he stressed that disruption in the Strait of Hormuz was hampering diplomacy. Trump, however, insists on maintaining the pressure, writing that Iran is losing "$500 million dollars a day".

Meanwhile, advanced US teams have already arrived, with 11 aircraft landing over recent days carrying personnel and equipment. Security has been tightened across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with more than 18,000 personnel deployed.

The current ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan on April 7, is set to expire on Wednesday (April 22) morning in Iran. Trump has given mixed signals on its extension, warning at one point that "if there's no deal, fighting resumes," while also suggesting a continuation remains possible.

By Aghakazim Guliyev