US, Iran To Hold Another Round Of Talks In Pakistan On Monday As Nuclear Deadlock Persists

Last Updated:April 18, 2026, 08:07 IST

Another round of talks between United States and Iran is expected to take place in Islamabad on Monday, April 20, said Tehran.

A fresh round of negotiations between the United States and Iran is expected to take place in Islamabad on Monday, April 20, CNN reported quoting Iranian sources. Officials familiar with the discussions said delegations from both sides are likely to arrive in Pakistan on Sunday ahead of the meeting. The talks come after earlier rounds failed to produce a breakthrough.

What happened in the last meeting?

Recent marathon negotiations between the two sides did not lead to an agreement. However, officials in the United States and the region said the discussions were not the final word on the issue. The main disagreement continues to centre on Iran’s nuclear programme.

During talks held in Islamabad on Saturday, US negotiators proposed a 20-year pause on Iran’s uranium enrichment. A source familiar with the discussions said Iran responded with a counter-offer of a five-year suspension. This proposal was rejected by Washington. The gap between the two positions remains unresolved, challenging the deal.

Frozen Iranian funds

In a related development, a report said Washington is considering releasing around $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds, which Tehran had asked for in the earlier negotiation. This would be in exchange for Iran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium. The proposal reflects ongoing efforts to find common ground despite differences over key issues.

Strait of Hormuz reopened

Iran has also announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which had been restricted since the war began in February. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the waterway would remain fully open for commercial shipping as long as the ceasefire holds.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy supplies, and its reopening is expected to ease pressure on shipping and trade.

US naval blockade continues in Hormuz

Despite Iran’s announcement, US President Donald Trump said the American naval blockade in the region would continue in full force. He stated that the blockade would remain in place until what he described as a “transaction" is fully completed.

Trump said, “Iran has just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business — but the Naval blockade will remain in full force and effect until such time as our transaction is 100% complete."

He also stated that the United States would take control of all “nuclear dust" created by its B2 bombers and insisted that no money would be exchanged. Trump further added that Iran had agreed it would never possess a nuclear weapon.

News world US, Iran To Hold Another Round Of Talks In Pakistan On Monday As Nuclear Deadlock Persists

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