Pakistan proposes hosting second round of US-Iran talks

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days, according to two Pakistani officials.

The officials, who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, said the proposal would depend on whether both sides request an alternative venue.

They added that, despite the first round of talks ending without an agreement, the discussions should be viewed as part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort.

One official said the initial negotiations, while inconclusive, had established a framework for continued engagement between the parties ahead of a potential second meeting.

After more than 21 hours of closed-door meetings involving American, Pakistani and Iranian representatives, the talks concluded in Islamabad early on April 11 with both sides acknowledging that no progress had been achieved on core issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and wider regional security arrangements

By Sabina Mammadli