As White House is expecting a response from Iran on a proposed plan to end the conflict, reports have emerged that talks between the United States and Iran could resume as early as next week in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad.
The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that both sides are working with mediators to draft a one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding. The proposed framework would set the stage for a month-long negotiation process aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
The draft reportedly includes discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme, easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the possible transfer of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles to another country.
However, several key issues remain unresolved.
The sanctions relief for Iran remains a major sticking point and the clause has the potential to delay or derail the talks.
The developments come amid heightened regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which triggered retaliatory attacks from Tehran and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route.
A ceasefire was reached on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, while an earlier round of talks held in Islamabad on April 11 failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a fixed deadline.
Trump told US media Washington was expecting a response from Iran on a proposed plan to end the conflict. “We’ll hear from them supposedly tonight,” he told CNN, adding that it was unclear whether Tehran was delaying its reply.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said Washington expected Iran’s response on Friday regarding the proposal.
As of Saturday morning (US Eastern Time), it remained unclear whether Iran had formally responded.
