No fixed timeline has been announced for the extension of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, a source familiar with the matter said, as uncertainty continues to surround a possible second round of talks.
US President Donald Trump has extended the truce but confirmed that Washington will maintain its naval blockade, a move Tehran considers an act of war.
Iran has said it will only return to negotiations once the blockade is lifted.
A second round of talks could take place as early as Friday in Islamabad, according to a report by the New York Post, which cited Trump as saying “it’s possible” in a text message. Pakistani mediation was key to the first round of talks.
However, a source told Reuters that no official timeline has been set for the ceasefire extension.
The dispute remains centered on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed after US and Israel launched strikes on February 28. Tehran also carried out retaliatory attacks on Israeli territory and US bases in the region.
Fighting paused on April 8 after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a two-week ceasefire and invited both sides to Islamabad. The initial talks ended without agreement on a permanent settlement.
Pakistan has continued diplomatic efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said confirmation from Iran regarding participation in the next round of talks is still awaited.
Trump said the ceasefire extension was granted at Pakistan’s request to allow time for Iran to present what he described as a “unified proposal.” Despite this, the US Navy will continue enforcing the blockade.
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, said negotiations would resume in Islamabad only after the blockade is lifted.
Separately, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran appreciates Pakistan’s efforts to end the conflict, while emphasizing that Iran will continue to safeguard its national interests