Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are intensifying their mediation efforts to push the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table before the ceasefire expires on April 21. U.S. officials and regional sources say all three parties believe a deal is still possible, emphasizing that the situation is not yet a complete deadlock but rather a final round of bargaining over key conditions. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Moghaddam, also stated that the talks in Islamabad had not failed, but instead laid the groundwork for future diplomatic progress. Vance made his first direct contact with Iranian officials in Islamabad; the U.S. described the 21-hour negotiation as challenging but ultimately evolving into a "friendly and productive exchange of proposals," expressing hope that Iran would reconsider the U.S. offer in the coming days. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the U.S. and Iran are discussing holding a second round of in-person talks as soon as possible, aiming to advance longer-term ceasefire negotiations before the current truce expires. Returning to Islamabad remains an option, while Turkey and Egypt—both actively involved in mediating—are also seen as potential venues for future talks. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said efforts to resolve remaining differences between the two sides continue. The main outstanding issues currently center on nuclear-related matters and economic exchange terms, with a significant gap still existing between both sides regarding the timeline for nuclear concessions. Iranian and U.S. officials disclosed that Iran's latest proposal included suspending uranium enrichment activities for up to five years, which was rejected by the Trump administration, which continues to insist on a 20-year suspension. In addition to the duration, the U.S. demands that Iran freeze its uranium enrichment program and abandon its stockpile of high-enriched uranium, while Iran insists on the release of more frozen assets as a condition for agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi claimed that the two sides were once “within striking distance” of a deal, but the U.S. later changed its terms—an assertion not confirmed by U.S. or regional sources. Nevertheless, the most recent proposals exchanged indicate that there remains a sliver of possibility for a longer-term agreement beyond the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is simultaneously pushing forward with blocking Iranian ports and coastal waters while reserving the option to resume airstrikes. U.S. officials state that both the maritime blockade and the withdrawal from the Pakistan-mediated talks are part of an ongoing strategy to exert pressure during negotiations, aimed at preventing Iran from using the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip. The U.S. Central Command announced that the maritime blockade officially took effect at 10:00 a.m. Monday and will be enforced uniformly on all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, regardless of nationality. However, shipping tracking data shows that the oil tanker *Elpis*, linked to Iran and previously sanctioned by the U.S. for transporting Iranian petroleum products, was located in the Strait of Hormuz at the moment the blockade went into effect and subsequently continued sailing toward the Gulf of Oman. This detail indicates that even as the U.S. has formally launched the blockade, enforcement at sea, diplomatic mediation, and the ongoing ceasefire negotiation game are proceeding in parallel, underscoring the continued fragility of the situation.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862412564372490/
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