Uncertainty Prevails Over Second Round of US-Iran Talks in Islamabad as Trump Sends Delegation
Islamabad – 20 April 2026
Uncertainty hung over the possibility of a second round of direct talks between the United States and Iran on Monday, as Tehran issued mixed signals even as preparations intensified in Islamabad for the high-stakes meeting.
US President Donald Trump told The New York Post that Vice President JD Vance and a US delegation were en route to Pakistan and expected to land within hours.
“We’re supposed to have the talks,” Trump said, brushing aside doubts. “They’re heading over now. They’ll be there tonight, Islamabad time.” He added that he was willing to meet senior Iranian leaders if a breakthrough is reached.
Iran Undecided
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Tehran has not yet decided on attending the next round of negotiations.
Baqaei accused the US of violating the two-week ceasefire through actions including an attack on an Iranian cargo ship, maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports, and delays in implementing the Lebanon ceasefire.
“As of now, we have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made,” Baqaei said during a weekly press briefing in Tehran.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation in the first round of Islamabad Talks on April 11-12, reiterated Tehran’s deep distrust of Washington.
“We do not trust the enemy. At any moment, it may escalate the war,” Ghalibaf said. “We are negotiating, but we are prepared for the necessary measures.”
Heavy Security in Islamabad
Pakistan’s capital is on high alert. Over 10,000 security personnel, including commandos and snipers, have been deployed. The Red Zone has been sealed, public transport suspended in twin cities, and two luxury hotels cleared for the delegations.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker to finalise security arrangements.
Strait of Hormuz Tension
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that security in the Strait of Hormuz is “not free” if Iranian oil exports remain restricted due to the US naval blockade.
“No one can restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” Aref posted on X.
The first round of direct talks was held in Islamabad earlier this month amid a fragile ceasefire following the 12-day war in June 2025.
