No date finalised for renewed US-Iran talks, sources say

Efforts to revive direct negotiations between the United States and Iran are continuing through diplomatic channels

Efforts to revive direct negotiations between the United States and Iran are continuing through diplomatic channels, but no date or venue has been finalised for the next round of talks, according to informed sources.

The sources said discussions are ongoing with the help of mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, who are working with both Washington and Tehran to arrange a fresh round of negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and restoring dialogue after months of conflict.

Officials familiar with the process said there is currently no scheduled meeting between American and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad. They added that both Islamabad and Doha remain possible venues for future talks, although no final decision has been made.

According to the sources, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is expected to visit Tehran in the coming days to discuss diplomatic efforts and explore ways to help restart negotiations between the two countries.

Diplomatic contacts between the two sides have reportedly continued despite recent hostilities, with mediators exchanging messages in an effort to revive dialogue under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year.

The sources said both countries are expected to begin with indirect discussions through mediators before moving to direct negotiations. The initial phase is likely to focus on maintaining the current reduction in hostilities and building mutual confidence rather than addressing Iran’s nuclear programme.

One of the main issues expected to dominate future discussions is the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes. Mediators are reportedly working on proposals to ensure safe maritime navigation and reduce tensions in the Gulf.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said there are currently no direct negotiations taking place with the United States. Iranian officials confirmed that Tehran is engaged in discussions with Oman regarding a temporary maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz but stressed that these talks should not be interpreted as an agreement to fully reopen the strategic waterway.

Iran also maintained that any broader agreement would depend on changes in the regional security situation and an end to what it described as continued US pressure.

Regional tensions remained high as Iranian media reported that the country’s Revolutionary Guard had shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, several oil tankers reportedly changed their shipping routes to avoid potential security threats near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, increasing transportation costs for energy shipments.

At the same time, Israel launched military exercises involving naval and ground forces, saying the drills had been planned in advance. Israeli forces also continued military operations in southern Lebanon, while cross-border tensions remained elevated despite an existing ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump recently said he had postponed a planned military strike against Iran after receiving requests from regional countries to allow more time for diplomacy. He expressed hope that negotiations could eventually lead to agreements on the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security issues.