Iran is cautiously weighing a return to peace negotiations with the United States, with a senior Iranian official indicating that Tehran is “positively reviewing” participation in talks expected to be held in Pakistan. The shift in tone marks a notable departure from earlier hardline positions, when Iranian leaders had ruled out engagement and warned of retaliation against US actions.
However, the official stressed that no final decision has yet been made, underscoring the fragile and uncertain nature of the diplomatic process. The potential breakthrough comes as a two-week ceasefire between the two adversaries nears its expiration, raising urgency for renewed dialogue.
Meanwhile, Dhaka has formally requested Tehran to ensure safe passage for two Bangladesh-bound vessels carrying essential commodities through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions continue to disrupt maritime traffic in the region.
Diplomatic sources suggest that Pakistan’s growing role as a mediator is central to Iran’s reconsideration. A key sticking point has been the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports, which Tehran views as a violation of the ceasefire and a major obstacle to negotiations.
According to a Pakistani security source, Field Marshal Asim Munir has directly raised the issue with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that the blockade undermines diplomatic efforts. Trump has reportedly indicated he would consider Pakistan’s concerns, offering a possible opening for de-escalation.
Islamabad’s efforts appear to have softened Tehran’s stance, with Iranian officials acknowledging “positive efforts” by Pakistan to create conditions conducive to dialogue.
As the ceasefire deadline approaches, the possibility of renewed talks offers a glimmer of hope amid an otherwise tense and unpredictable situation. Pakistan’s mediation efforts appear to have opened a narrow diplomatic window, but significant challenges remain.
With deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran, unresolved disputes over military and nuclear issues, and continued tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the path to a lasting agreement remains uncertain. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can prevail or whether the region will slide back toward confrontation.
Dhaka seeks safe passage for ships
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman raised the issue with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh during a meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey on Sunday. The request comes amid growing concern in Dhaka over delays in the arrival of critical supplies.
Following the high-level talks, Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi held discussions with the Director General (West Asia) at Bangladesh’s foreign ministry on Monday. According to diplomatic sources, the meeting focused on facilitating the movement of the stranded vessels and reviewing the broader war situation affecting regional shipping routes.
Officials said one of the ships, carrying approximately 100,000 tonnes of oil, has been waiting for nearly a month to reach Bangladesh, while another vessel loaded with fertiliser remains similarly delayed. Both cargoes are considered vital for the country’s energy supply and agricultural sector.
A foreign ministry source said Bangladesh has emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that timely delivery of these goods is crucial for domestic stability. In response, the Iranian side assured Dhaka that necessary measures would be taken to enable the safe transit of the vessels through the strategically sensitive waterway.
Earlier, on April 5 in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Rahman had also raised the matter directly with the Iraniani ambassador, specifically requesting safe passage for the vessel Banglar Joyjatra and another oil shipment. Tehran had indicated at the time that the issue was being taken up with relevant authorities.
High-level diplomatic engagement underway
The United States is preparing to resume negotiations in Islamabad, with Vice President JD Vance expected to lead the American delegation. The upcoming talks would follow an earlier round held a week ago, which included senior figures such as US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, but failed to produce a breakthrough.
Meanwhile, heightened security preparations in Islamabad and increased logistical activity signal the importance attached to the next round of discussions. Flight tracking data indicates that at least six US government aircraft carrying communications equipment and support teams have recently arrived at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base, the primary entry point for high-level delegations.
Ceasefire under strain as deadline nears
The diplomatic push comes against the backdrop of a rapidly deteriorating ceasefire. Announced on April 7, the two-week truce is set to expire Wednesday (Bangladesh time), with uncertainty surrounding whether it will be extended.
Tensions have escalated following reports that US forces seized an Iranian cargo vessel attempting to breach the blockade, prompting Tehran to threaten retaliation. Both sides have since accused each other of violating the ceasefire terms.
Despite calls for restraint, Trump has indicated that the blockade would remain in place, even if the ceasefire is extended. “Maybe I won’t extend it,” he said over the weekend, reflecting Washington’s hardening stance.
Key disputes remain unresolved
Fundamental disagreements continue to hinder progress. Iran has firmly stated that its defensive capabilities, particularly its missile programme, are non-negotiable. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accused Washington of adopting “unreasonable and unrealistic positions,” questioning the US commitment to diplomacy.
At the same time, maritime tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has tightened control over shipping routes in response to the US blockade. The strategic waterway, which carries around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, remains a flashpoint in the conflict.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions but warned that distrust of Washington remains an “undeniable necessity.” He accused the United States of repeating past patterns and undermining diplomatic efforts through its actions.
Global powers urge de-escalation
The escalating tensions have drawn concern from major global powers. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the uninterrupted passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need for a comprehensive ceasefire and a political resolution to the crisis.
Similarly, the Kremlin has expressed hope that negotiations will continue, warning that further escalation could have serious consequences for regional stability and the global economy. Russian officials have indicated their readiness to support any initiative aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement.
