The United States is considering another round of face-to-face talks with Iran before the current ceasefire window runs out, though officials have not taken a final call yet, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.
The move comes as a quiet diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran continues, with both sides trying to keep the conversation going. The idea is to avoid any fresh flare-up and, if things move in the right direction, possibly buy more time by extending the ceasefire.
Officials weigh timing and venue as backchannel talks go on
Behind the scenes, US officials are looking at possible dates and locations for the next round of talks, even as the broader negotiations continue to unfold. The decision is likely to depend on how ongoing conversations with Iran and regional intermediaries unfold in the coming days.
Describing the situation as early-stage planning, a source told CNN, “We need to be prepared to stand something up quickly should things head in that direction.”
Islamabad talks followed weeks of intense diplomacy
The last round of in-person discussions took place in Islamabad on April 11, capping weeks of negotiations involving senior US representatives and mediators from Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Oman and other countries.
According to CNN, diplomatic efforts remain active behind the scenes, with Turkey playing a key role in attempting to narrow differences between the two sides.
Geneva, Islamabad back in focus for next round
Even before Islamabad was finalised as the venue for the earlier talks, multiple cities, including Geneva, Vienna and Istanbul, had been considered. Now, Geneva and Islamabad have once again emerged as possible locations for the next phase of negotiations, sources said.
US signals cautious optimism, hints at possible ceasefire extension
Officials familiar with the process indicated that the US administration remains guardedly hopeful about reaching a diplomatic breakthrough. If talks show tangible progress, both sides may look at extending the ceasefire deadline to allow more time for negotiations.
A US official confirmed that engagement between the two countries is continuing. “There is continued engagement between the US and Iran and forward motion on trying to get an agreement,” the official said, as quoted by CNN.
Separately, US President Donald Trump said Iran had initiated contact with the administration earlier on Monday. He claimed that Tehran “would like to make a deal very badly.”