PAKISTAN is actively working to restore the Iran-United States peace process following the collapse of a landmark framework agreement that it had spent months brokering. The road from the initial Islamabad Talks to a signed Memorandum of Understanding — and its subsequent suspension — reflects both the complexity of this conflict and the indispensable role Pakistan continues to play.

The first round of negotiations, hosted by Pakistan on April 11–12, 2026, marked a historic breakthrough. Although the talks lasted 21 hours and did not culminate in a formal agreement, they represented significant progress, as the two adversaries engaged in direct dialogue for the first time in 47 years since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The two sides were reportedly able to agree on most points of a ceasefire framework, with the exception of issues regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. The first phase of the Islamabad Talks could nonetheless be considered a success in laying a solid foundation for future engagement.

The aftermath, however, proved difficult. Following the breakdown of talks, US President Donald Trump imposed a naval blockade on Iran on April 13, interdicting ships entering or departing Iranian ports. Washington’s position hardened further when Trump cancelled a planned visit by his envoys, signalling a reluctance to return to the table. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, insisted that Washington must first remove the blockade before any new talks could begin. The US naval blockade........

© Pakistan Observer