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US, Iran Explore New Talks as Ceasefire Clock Ticks Down

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US and Iran Prepare for Potential New Talks

The United States and Iran are reportedly considering a second round of direct negotiations in an effort to revive ceasefire discussions, according to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter. The renewed diplomatic push comes after recent talks failed to deliver a breakthrough.

Ceasefire Deadline Adds Urgency

Officials are aiming to organize fresh discussions before the current two-week ceasefire, announced on April 7, expires next week. Islamabad is being considered as a potential host city, along with several other locations under review.

Previous Talks End Without Agreement

The latest push for negotiations follows high-level meetings led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad over the weekend. Those discussions concluded without a deal, with both sides attributing the deadlock to each other.

Washington has accused Iran of refusing to scale back its nuclear program, while Tehran has criticized what it sees as excessive demands from the United States.

Trump Signals Openness but Maintains Pressure

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Iran had reached out in search of a deal, suggesting a willingness to continue negotiations. At the same time, the U.S. is maintaining pressure through a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.

Mediation Efforts Expand

Countries including Turkey and Egypt are reportedly participating in ongoing mediation efforts, aiming to bridge differences between the two sides and facilitate a new round of talks.

Vance: “Next Move Is Iran’s”

Speaking in a Fox News interview, Vice President Vance emphasized that the outcome now depends on Iran’s decisions. He dismissed claims that the Pakistan talks were a complete failure, noting that they helped clarify both U.S. expectations and Iran’s position.

Key Demands Remain Unchanged

According to Vance, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and scaling back Iran’s nuclear activities remain central to U.S. demands in any ceasefire agreement.

He added that while a broader deal is achievable, it will require Iran to take the next step toward de-escalation.