By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON - The United States is preparing for a possible second round of high-stakes negotiations with Iran ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline on April 21, even as deep divisions over Tehran’s nuclear program continue to stall progress, according to a CNN report.

Officials in Washington and the region said marathon talks held in Islamabad over the weekend, lasting more than 20 hours, were never expected to yield a final agreement, but instead marked an initial step in what could be a prolonged diplomatic process.

At the heart of the negotiations is a widening gap over uranium enrichment. US negotiators reportedly proposed a 20-year suspension of Iran’s enrichment activities, while Tehran countered with a five-year pause -- an offer rejected by Washington.

The disagreement underscores longstanding tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, including the fate of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and demands by the US to dismantle key facilities.

President Donald Trump remains open to resuming face-to-face negotiations if Iran signals willingness to meet US conditions, sources familiar with the matter said. Internal discussions are underway within the administration to arrange a second meeting before the ceasefire expires, though no date or venue has been finalized.

Potential locations under consideration include Geneva, Istanbul and Islamabad, reflecting continued involvement of mediators such as Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Oman.

- Pressure Tactics and Blockade

The diplomatic push comes as Washington increases pressure on Tehran, including a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and efforts to counter Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. This critical global energy route remains effectively closed to commercial shipping.

US officials view the blockade as leverage to push Iran back to the negotiating table under more conciliatory terms. However, Tehran appears to believe it holds a strategic advantage due to its grip over the vital waterway.

Vice President JD Vance said Washington had presented its “best and final” offer, adding that “the ball is in Iran’s court,” though he acknowledged Tehran had moved “not far enough.”

Despite the lack of a breakthrough, officials say there is still “forward motion” in talks, raising the possibility that the ceasefire deadline could be extended to allow more time for diplomacy.

US officials also indicate limited appetite for renewed military escalation after weeks of conflict, with growing domestic pressure to secure a diplomatic resolution.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations had progressed “in good faith” but ultimately faltered due to what he described as shifting US demands and the imposition of the blockade.

The outcome of the talks carries significant implications not only for regional stability but also for global energy markets, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

While both sides have shown willingness to continue engagement, entrenched positions on key issues suggest that reaching a comprehensive agreement before the April 21 deadline remains uncertain.

For now, diplomats are racing against time to convert fragile momentum into a durable deal—before the window for peace begins to close.