As the United States begins a naval blockade on Iran, both the United States and Iran are reportedly considering a new round of direct talks in an effort to reach an agreement to end the conflict before the ceasefire expires next week. This was reported to the Associated Press by two US officials and a source familiar with developments in the region.

The three officials said discussions about a possible new round of talks are still ongoing. However, a diplomat from one of the mediating countries went further, saying that Tehran and Washington may already have agreed to hold the talks.

The diplomat and US officials told the Associated Press that it is still unclear whether the same level of diplomatic representatives will attend from both sides.

The Iranian delegation in Pakistan (AFP).

Second round in Pakistan?

After hosting the first round of negotiations, Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is once again being discussed as a possible venue for talks between the two countries.

US officials also indicated that Geneva remains an option, and that although the location and timing have not yet been decided, the talks could potentially take place on Thursday.

In the same context, two Pakistani officials told Associated Press that Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days, before the ceasefire ends.

The two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, said the proposal depends on whether the parties request a change of venue for the next round.

One of the officials explained that although the first round ended without an agreement, it is considered part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort.

US President Donald Trump told reporters earlier on Monday: “We received a call from the other side” and “they want to reach a deal.”

The U.S. delegation in Islamabad (AFP).

Vance: We have made significant progress in talks with Iran

In the same context, US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that Washington has made significant progress in talks with Iran.

When asked in an interview with Fox News about the possibility of further negotiations with Tehran, he said that “the ball is in Iran’s court,” adding that Iran’s participation at this level of representation in the talks held in Islamabad was a positive sign.

Vance also said the United States expects Iran to make progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the negotiations would change course if Tehran does not take action on this issue.