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US-Iran talks enter second day in Islamabad amid signs of cautious progress

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – A fresh round of high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran continued into a second day on Sunday in Islamabad, as both sides exchanged written proposals and signaled cautious progress despite lingering differences, officials and diplomatic sources said.

The latest round resumed late Saturday following a dinner break near midnight, with delegations remaining engaged in intensive negotiations described as entering a “sensitive phase.” Sources close to the Iranian side said the overall atmosphere remained constructive, with “normal” body language observed, even as key disagreements persist.

The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Iran’s team is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and senior official Ali Bagheri Kani also participating.

Initial rounds included indirect exchanges before transitioning into face-to-face discussions, with both sides sharing written texts—an indication of incremental forward movement. Technical experts from both countries have also been engaged in parallel committee-level discussions.

Senior Pakistani officials, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Asim Munir, are playing a key role in facilitating the dialogue, positioning Pakistan as a central mediator in efforts to de-escalate a broader regional conflict.

Diplomatic observers say the talks could lead to an extension of the fragile two-week ceasefire, alongside a potential announcement of a second round of negotiations. Discussions are also reportedly exploring the possibility of international guarantees—potentially involving the UN Security Council—to ensure compliance with any future agreement.

Analysts suggest that confidence-building measures, including the possible unfreezing of Iranian assets, may also be under consideration as part of a broader diplomatic package. The outcome of the Islamabad talks is being closely watched as a potential turning point in efforts to stabilize the region.