Islamabad: Pakistan has offered to host the second round of negotiations between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, according to American news agency reports citing two Pakistani officials.
According to the reports, Pakistan has proposed hosting the talks before the expiry of the ceasefire period.
The second phase of Iran–US negotiations is expected to take place on Thursday, while a US official has indicated that both sides are considering further face-to-face discussions.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that talks between Iran and the United States are still ongoing. A US official said progress is being made towards a possible agreement.
Earlier, the first round of Iran–US talks was held on April 11 in Islamabad, where delegations from both sides held discussions for nearly 21 hours. However, the talks concluded without any agreement.
US Vice President JD Vance, in an interview, said there has been positive progress in the talks with Iran, adding that Washington has presented its proposals and the “ball is now in Iran’s court.”
Separately, protests were held in New York City against the war. Demonstrators called for an end to attacks on Iran and Lebanon and urged a halt to US arms support for Israel.
Protesters raised slogans calling for funding healthcare instead of war. Police arrested around 100 protesters during the demonstration.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that it is necessary to prevent a new round of fighting, the war should not start again. There is no military solution to this crisis, and Russia is ready to help in reaching a settlement.
