A fresh round of US-Iran talks is likely in Islamabad on Monday, in what appears to be another attempt to steady a region that has refused to calm down despite days of diplomacy.
According to CNN, which cited Iranian officials familiar with the discussions, delegations from both sides are expected to reach the Pakistani capital by Sunday. The outreach comes at a time when multiple countries are quietly stepping in, trying to prevent the situation from spiralling further.
Islamabad quietly steps into mediator’s role
Pakistan, for its part, is no longer on the sidelines. In recent days, it has begun to play a more active role, with signs of backchannel communication picking up between Washington and Tehran, suggesting Islamabad is being seen as a workable bridge between the two sides. The upcoming meeting follows the Islamabad Peace Talks held on April 11-12, described as a historic yet inconclusive attempt to end the 39-day Gulf conflict between the two countries.
In parallel, diplomatic activity has picked up across the region. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
“The Emir and the Turkish President commended the efforts undertaken by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in this regard, and expressed their support for the efforts of the prime minister,” Qatar’s Amiri Diwan said, according to Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir met Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran, with discussions aimed at reviving stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran. Munir, who arrived earlier this week, was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Ceasefire offers temporary relief amid border tensions
On the security front, US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, marking a potential opening for wider de-escalation.
Trump said he had held “excellent conversations” with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding that both sides had agreed to the temporary truce.
The ceasefire comes after a sharp escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border, where exchanges between Israeli forces and Hezbollah intensified following the broader US-Iran conflict.
Sanctions, rallies underline fragile ground reality
Even as diplomatic channels remain active, tensions on the ground continue to play out. The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on seven commanders linked to Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
“Today’s action sends a clear message: Those who enable or support these militias’ violence will face consequences. We call on Iraqi authorities to take immediate steps to dismantle these groups and prevent them from using Iraqi territory to conduct terrorist activities that destabilise the region,” State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added, “We will not allow Iraq’s terrorist militias, backed by Iran, to threaten American lives or interests. Those who enable these militias’ violence will be held accountable.”
At the same time, thousands gathered in central Tehran for a pro-government rally, with participants voicing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments. The demonstration, held at Enghelab Square, coincided with Iran’s “Girls Day” and saw women and young girls pledging support for the leadership.
One participant said, “I came here so that we can, through unity and cooperation defeat the American Zionist enemy. Death to America.”
The rally comes against the backdrop of continued demonstrations in Iran following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei in February during US-Israeli strikes.