Iran Considers Peace Talks With US In Pakistan As 2-Week Ceasefire Deadline Nears

The future of peace talks between the United States and Iran remains unclear as the deadline for a two-week ceasefire nears, with shipping activity and energy markets already under pressure.

A senior Iranian official said Tehran is considering joining talks with the United States in Pakistan, following efforts by Islamabad to ease a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.

The blockade has been a major issue preventing Iran from returning to negotiations. However, the official made it clear that no final decision has been taken yet.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar during a phone call that ongoing violations of the ceasefire by the United States are a key reason for the delay. He said Iran is still reviewing the situation before deciding its next step.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also criticised U.S. President Donald Trump, saying on social media that pressure through blockades and ceasefire breaches makes negotiations unacceptable for Tehran.

The ceasefire, announced by Trump on April 7, is expected to end this week, though no exact time has been officially confirmed. A Pakistani source involved in the discussions said it would expire at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, which is early Thursday morning in Iran.

The situation has already started affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important trade routes for oil and gas.

Data showed that only three ships passed through the strait over a 12-hour period, showing how sharply traffic has dropped.

The strait normally handles about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, so any slowdown creates concern for global markets.

Iran had briefly lifted its own restrictions in the area before putting them back in place, while the United States continues its blockade on Iranian ports.

Tensions increased further after U.S. forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel near the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. military said Marines boarded the ship after it tried to pass through the blockade.

Maritime security sources said the vessel may have been carrying dual-use items that could be used for both civilian and military purposes.

Iran rejected these claims, saying the ship was coming from China and accusing the United States of armed piracy. Iranian officials added that their response was limited because crew members’ families were on board.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for ships to move freely through the strait and urged both sides to resolve the issue through dialogue.

Oil prices rose by about 5% as traders reacted to the risk of the ceasefire ending and further disruption to supply. The slowdown in tanker movement has increased concerns about energy deliveries, especially for countries that depend on Gulf exports.

The United States wants talks to start in Pakistan before the ceasefire ends to avoid more pressure on oil prices and global markets. Iran, on the other hand, is using its control over the Strait of Hormuz to push for relief from sanctions and to stop the conflict from starting again.

Pakistan has prepared to host the talks, deploying around 20,000 security personnel in Islamabad. Officials there are trying to bring both sides to the table and are working on resolving issues such as the U.S. blockade.

Despite these efforts, uncertainty remains. Reports that U.S. Vice President JD Vance was travelling to Pakistan were denied by a source, adding to doubts about how soon talks could begin.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said mixed signals from U.S. officials show pressure rather than a genuine attempt at negotiation. He said Iran would not accept talks under threat.

Trump, however, said he expects a quick agreement and believes a new deal would be stronger than the 2015 nuclear agreement made under former President Barack Obama, which he withdrew from in 2018.

Trump also warned that the United States could target Iran’s infrastructure if Tehran refuses his terms. Iran responded by saying it could strike power and water facilities in neighbouring Gulf countries if attacked.

At the same time, Pakistan’s military leadership has reportedly told the United States that the blockade is a major obstacle to talks, and that it should be reconsidered.

References: Reutters, Onmanorama