ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Fresh uncertainty and renewed urgency surrounded efforts to halt the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran on Tuesday, after Donald Trump said a new round of talks “could be happening over the next two days” in Pakistan’s capital, suggesting a possible return to negotiations even as divisions remain entrenched.
“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” President Trump told me of Islamabad. “It’s more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job.” https://t.co/UlLIC7djB8
— Caitlin Doornbos (@CaitlinDoornbos) April 14, 2026
Speaking to Caitlin Doornbos of the New York Post, Mr Trump indicated that while discussions had been progressing slowly, momentum may now be shifting back toward Islamabad. In a follow-up call, he suggested the likelihood of renewed engagement in Pakistan had increased, citing confidence in the role played by Asim Munir, whom he described as instrumental in facilitating dialogue.
The remarks marked a notable pivot from earlier expectations that the next phase of negotiations might move to Europe. Instead, Islamabad — already the site of the most senior direct U.S.-Iran engagement in decades — appears to be re-emerging as the preferred diplomatic venue.
Mr Trump framed the choice in practical terms, questioning the logic of relocating talks to countries with little direct stake in the conflict, while praising Pakistan’s leadership for maintaining channels between Washington and Tehran. His comments underscored a growing perception that Shehbaz Sharif’s government, working alongside military leadership, has positioned itself as a central intermediary in a crisis that has destabilised the wider region.
The diplomatic opening, however tentative, comes after a weekend of talks that failed to produce a breakthrough. While both sides acknowledged progress on several fronts, the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme remains a critical obstacle. Mr Trump reiterated his longstanding position that Tehran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, expressing dissatisfaction with proposals that would merely limit enrichment activity for a fixed period.
“I’ve been saying they can’t have nuclear weapons,” he said, dismissing reported suggestions of a temporary suspension framework. “So I don’t like the 20 years.”
That stance highlights the enduring gap between Washington’s maximalist demands and Tehran’s insistence on preserving elements of its nuclear capability, a divide that has repeatedly derailed past negotiations.
The involvement of Islamabad reflects a broader recalibration in regional diplomacy. Once seen primarily through the lens of its own security concerns, Pakistan has in recent weeks sought to leverage its relationships with both Western and regional actors to carve out a mediating role. Its proximity to Iran, ties with Gulf states, and working relationship with Washington have combined to create a rare, if fragile, platform for dialogue.
Vice President JD Vance, who was present in Islamabad during earlier discussions, has also emphasised the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels, even in the absence of immediate agreement. The continuation of talks, officials say, is viewed as essential not only to de-escalation but to preserving the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
For now, the situation remains fluid. The timing and format of any renewed talks have yet to be finalised, and both sides continue to signal competing priorities. Yet Mr Trump’s remarks suggest that, despite setbacks, the diplomatic track is far from exhausted.
Whether Islamabad can once again host a breakthrough — or merely prolong a fragile pause in hostilities — may depend on whether both Washington and Tehran are willing to narrow the gap that has, for decades, kept a durable agreement out of reach.
