U.S.–Iran talks hang in the balance after Islamabad round ends amid conflicting signals

Middle East 13-04-2026 | 08:05

U.S.–Iran talks hang in the balance after Islamabad round ends amid conflicting signals

Negotiations between Washington and Tehran face uncertainty as delegations withdraw, regional alerts rise, and no clear path emerges for the next round of discussions.
U.S.–Iran talks hang in the balance after Islamabad round ends amid conflicting signals
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The uncertainty surrounding the future of negotiations between the United States and Iran is increasing amid conflicting assessments regarding the outcome of the dialogue hosted in Islamabad, and whether it has reached a definitive deadlock or merely a temporary setback.

 

 

While some sources point to the difficulty of determining the negotiation path, others indicate that “the final decision is still under consultation within the White House, leaving the door open to various possibilities.”

“Maariv”: Decision still pending

The Israeli newspaper Maariv quoted sources as saying that “it is too early to definitively declare the collapse of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.”

The newspaper noted that “a new round of talks is not yet confirmed, and quick decisions may be made at the White House regarding the next step.”

In parallel, CBS reported that “several members of the American delegation, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, as well as the technical team, left Islamabad after the talks concluded, with no American representatives remaining in the city.”

An American official confirmed to Reuters that “Kushner and Witkoff have left Islamabad.”

He added: “America has understood our logic and principles, and now it is time for them to decide whether they can earn our trust or not,” expressing Tehran’s gratitude to Pakistan for facilitating the negotiations.


Sharp fluctuations in recent hours

Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported, citing a Pakistani official, that the talks experienced “sharp fluctuations,” especially as they extended into the early hours of the morning, reflecting the complexities between the parties.

The source added that the U.S. Vice President left Pakistan without clear plans for future participation, further indicating a lack of stability in the negotiation path.

Amid partial withdrawals and conflicting statements, negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain at a critical crossroads, with international anticipation over whether the next round will be held or whether the process has entered a phase of deadlock.