US and Iran Signal Willingness for Islamabad Talks as Ceasefire Nears End

Diplomatic activity intensified on Tuesday as both the United States and Iran signalled readiness for a new round of peace talks in Islamabad, just a day before the fragile ceasefire between the two sides is set to expire.

According to reports, a high-level US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad, while Tehran has also indicated it may send representatives for negotiations.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that the ceasefire is now expected to end on Wednesday evening, adding that an extension is unlikely if no agreement is reached before the deadline. The truce had originally been set to expire earlier.

Despite diplomatic movement, tensions remain high. Washington continues to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports, a move Tehran has strongly criticised. Iran has also raised concerns over what it calls repeated violations of the ceasefire, including maritime actions and delays in implementing agreements in the region.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised what he described as inconsistent signals from the United States, warning that such actions undermine trust. He stressed that meaningful dialogue requires commitment and respect for agreements, while reaffirming that Iran would not yield under pressure.

The situation escalated further after US forces seized an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman, prompting Tehran to label the action as piracy and respond with increased drone activity near strategic waters.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, has emerged as a key flashpoint. Both sides have imposed and lifted blockades at different times, adding to uncertainty in global energy markets.

Pakistan, meanwhile, has stepped up diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has engaged with international leaders, including António Costa, emphasising the need for continued negotiations to ensure regional peace.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held discussions with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement.

Globally, major powers have urged restraint. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for maintaining free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while French President Emmanuel Macron urged both sides to de-escalate tensions.

Authorities in Islamabad have made extensive security arrangements for the expected talks, deploying additional personnel and securing key routes and locations to ensure the safety of visiting delegations.

With the ceasefire deadline approaching, all eyes are now on Islamabad, where the next phase of diplomacy could determine whether the region moves toward peace or renewed conflict.