"Iran to Dispatch Negotiating Team Soon for Second Round of Talks with U.S." (Comprehensive)

Iran is reportedly planning to send a negotiating team to Pakistan on the 21st (local time) for a second round of peace talks with the United States.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 20th that Iran conveyed this plan to the mediating countries. On the same day, Axios also reported, citing sources, that Iran's new leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved a second round of negotiations with the United States. As a result, the second round of talks between the two sides is expected to take place before the ceasefire deadline of the 22nd (Eastern Time), which was proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

On the 21st, a police officer is patrolling the streets in Islamabad, Pakistan. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.

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Axios stated, "The Iranian negotiating team had been waiting for approval from Supreme Leader Mojtaba, which was granted on the night of the 20th," adding, "Mojtaba’s approval came after mediating countries, including Pakistan, Egypt, and T?rkiye, urged participation in the talks." The report also noted, "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had previously delayed negotiations, insisting that talks should not proceed until the U.S. blockade was lifted."

Until now, Iran had not officially confirmed whether it would send a delegation to the second round of talks. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that it had no plans to participate in the second round of end-of-war negotiations with the U.S., causing confusion about whether the talks would proceed. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said during a regular press briefing that day, "No plan or decision has been made regarding the next round of negotiations," and added, "Iran does not believe in any deadlines or ultimatums when it comes to protecting its national interests."

U.S. broadcaster CNN also reported that the talks would take place soon. Citing sources, CNN said that Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to head to Pakistan on the 21st with senior U.S. officials to participate in the talks. Sources added that the second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran is expected to be held on the 22nd in Islamabad, Pakistan, but the situation remains fluid.

The White House told CNN that a specific schedule has not yet been set, stating, "The delegation is expected to depart soon, but the exact timing remains uncertain." Prior to this report, Axios quoted U.S. sources as saying, "The U.S. negotiating team led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to depart for Pakistan on the 21st."

Based on these reports, the United States and Iran are expected to hold one more round of talks before the ceasefire deadline expires. The WSJ, citing a White House official, reported that President Trump is unlikely to extend the ceasefire agreement with Iran, which is set to expire on the 22nd. The report further analyzed that the impending deadline is putting pressure on both the U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams.

On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a telephone interview with Bloomberg that the ceasefire "expires on Wednesday evening, Washington time," and that the possibility of extending it is "very low."

Meanwhile, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the U.S. for seizing the Iranian cargo ship Tuskaho, urging, "Immediately release the Iranian ship, its crew, and their families."

The Ministry further criticized the seizure as an "extremely dangerous and criminal act," declaring, "There is no doubt that the Islamic Republic of Iran will mobilize all its capabilities to safeguard Iran's national interests and security, and to protect the rights and dignity of its people." The statement added, "Should tensions escalate further in the region, the United States will bear full responsibility."

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and President Trump announced the previous day that they had fired upon and seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Tuskaho near the Gulf of Oman and are detaining its crew.

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