By Our Correspondents 

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON - United States President Donald Trump has indicated that peace talks between Washington and Tehran could resume in Pakistan within the next 48 hours, as both sides signal continued willingness to engage despite last weekend's failure to reach a final agreement.

Speaking to the New York Post on Tuesday, Trump said "something could be happening over the next two days," adding that the United States is "more inclined to go there" -- referring to Islamabad as the likely venue for a second round of negotiations.

"It's more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job," Trump said, praising Pakistani Field Marshal General Asim Munir, the country's Chief of Army Staff, who played a central role in mediating the first round of talks.

The primary obstacle to a deal remains Iran's nuclear program. According to The Washington Post and The New York Times, the United States has proposed that Iran suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years, while Tehran has countered with an offer of a five-year pause.

Trump has rejected the five-year proposal, telling reporters, "I've been saying they can't have nuclear weapons. So I don't like the 20 years" -- suggesting even the two-decade suspension may not satisfy US demands.

Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation in Islamabad, told Fox News that the ball is now "in Iran's court." He identified two specific "red lines" where the US has "no flexibility at all": American control over Iran's enriched uranium and a verification mechanism to ensure Tehran does not develop nuclear weapons in the future.

Iran's top negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, responded by stating that "America has understood our logic and principles, and now it's time for it to decide whether it can earn our trust or not".

The diplomatic maneuvering comes against a backdrop of escalating economic pressure. On Sunday, following the collapse of the first round of talks, Trump announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Effective immediately, the United States Navy will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," Trump posted on Truth Social.

The blockade has been enforced by more than 15 US warships, including an aircraft carrier and destroyers, according to a senior US official. Vice President Vance has characterized Iran's closure of the strait as an "act of economic terrorism" and warned that "two could play at that game" .

- Ceasefire Holding – For Now

Despite the lack of a diplomatic breakthrough, the two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan remains intact. Neither side has indicated an intention to resume hostilities, and the truce is not set to expire until April 21.

However, the blockade has raised concerns about a potential escalation. Trump has warned that Iranian vessels approaching blockade zones would be "immediately eliminated," while Iran's Armed Forces have described the US measures as "piracy" and vowed to maintain control over the strategic waterway.

- Pakistan's Central Role

The potential second round of talks would mark another milestone for Pakistan's emerging role as an indispensable diplomatic bridge between Washington and Tehran. Trump's praise for Field Marshal Munir -- calling him "fantastic" -- underscores Islamabad's unique position in the peace process .

Pakistani officials have formally proposed hosting another round of talks in the coming days, with two officials telling the Associated Press that the previous meeting was "part of a continuing diplomatic effort rather than a one-time initiative".

With Trump's 48-hour window now open, the world watches to see whether the United States and Iran can bridge the nuclear divide that has eluded diplomats for decades. The core question remains: can Washington accept anything less than a permanent end to Iran's nuclear ambitions, and can Tehran trust any commitment the US makes?

As one Pakistani government source told Reuters, the sides came "very close" to an agreement and were "80 percent of the way there" before stumbling over decisions that could not be made on the spot.

The next two days will determine whether that 80 percent becomes 100 percent or whether the region slides back toward conflict.