Preparations are still in place in Islamabad, Pakistan, for possible peace talks between the United States and Iran, but uncertainty remains over whether the negotiations will actually happen.
Security has been tightened in Pakistan’s capital, with checkpoints and “Islamabad Talks” posters seen across parts of the city. The planned talks are expected to focus on extending a fragile ceasefire and reducing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
The White House had said a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance would travel to Pakistan for the talks. However, Reuters reported that Vance had not yet left the United States as of Monday, April 20, 2026, while Iran had not publicly committed to attending the meeting.
Iran’s reluctance appears linked to anger over recent US actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has accused Washington of escalating the crisis after the US seized an Iranian flagged cargo ship. Iran has also objected to what it sees as pressure and threats while negotiations are being discussed.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has been expected to lead Iran’s delegation, said Iran would not accept talks “under the shadow of threats.” His remarks suggest Tehran is still weighing whether diplomacy can continue while military and economic pressure remains high.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the dispute. The US wants normal shipping activity restored, while Iran has used its influence over the route as leverage. Analysts say Washington’s current strategy is meant to pressure Iran into returning to negotiations, but Iran may be unwilling to give up such a powerful bargaining tool.
China has also entered the discussion. President Xi Jinping told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained, saying this is in the interest of regional countries and the wider international community.
The situation has become more complicated because of political pressure inside Iran. Hardline groups are reportedly pushing leaders to take a tougher position against the United States rather than agree to talks. This internal pressure could make it harder for Iranian officials to publicly support diplomacy.
US President Donald Trump has also said removing enriched uranium from Iran would be a “long and difficult” process. That statement shows that even if talks begin, reaching a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues may take time.
The planned Islamabad talks are now seen as a major test for the ceasefire. If both sides attend, the meeting could open a path toward reducing tensions and restoring shipping confidence in the Strait of Hormuz. But if the talks fail to happen, the region could face renewed conflict and more disruption to global energy markets.
For now, Pakistan remains ready to host the negotiations, but the world is still waiting to see whether the US and Iran will choose diplomacy or return to confrontation.
