PAKISTANI civil and military leaders have worked to bring the US and Iran back to negotiations. They hope to address the international economic crisis and turn the current ceasefire into a lasting agreement. However, the standoff persists. Both sides remain uncompromising and unwilling to make concessions. As a result, the anticipated second round of dialogue did not occur, despite preparations in Islamabad.

The optimism about a constructive outcome to the ongoing talks between Iran and the US was dashed after President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit by his envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, to Pakistan on April 25, 2026, to meet with Iranian officials. Subsequently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also left Islamabad for Muscat.

Although the stalemate continues, both sides refrain from using kinetic force to advance their objectives, signaling a potential de-escalation of the conflict. This development provides relief broadly, except for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the primary perpetrator of the war between Iran and the United States. It also suggests that behind-the-scenes negotiations, facilitated by Pakistan between Iran and the United States, are........

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