Pakistan ‘still awaiting’ Iran response on second-round talks as ceasefire deadline nears: Tarar

• Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says Tehran yet to confirm participation in Islamabad talks, saying Islamabad races against time to bring Iran to table as ceasefire deadline looms

• Hours before truce expiry, Pakistan steps up push to secure second round of US–Iran dialogue

• Iran’s Esmaeil Baghaei questions US intent, terms actions 'state terrorism'

• Dar urges ceasefire extension, presses for diplomacy in talks with US envoy

• Washington appreciates Islamabad’s “constructive role” in facilitating peace efforts

 ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that Pakistan is making sustained efforts to persuade Iran to join the second round of peace talks with the United States, but a formal response from Tehran on its participation remains awaited.

“Pakistan remains in constant touch with the Iranian side, but a formal response from Tehran regarding participation in the Islamabad Peace Talks had not been received as of 7:30pm PST,” the minister said on X.

The situation as it stands at 1930 PST

1. Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad Peace Talks is still awaited.

2. ⁠Pakistan as the mediator is in constant touch with Iranians and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue.

3.…

— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) April 21, 2026

He warned that time was running short, noting that the ceasefire is set to expire at 4:50am PST on April 22. “A decision from Iran to attend the talks before the end of the two-week ceasefire is critical,” he said, adding that Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach to the Iranian leadership is ongoing.

The minister’s remarks came after Iran signalled hesitation over joining the talks. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran had yet to decide whether to participate in negotiations with the United States in Pakistan.

“Iran has not yet made a decision on whether to attend talks with the United States in Pakistan,” he told state television, according to Reuters.

Baghaei also criticised recent US actions, describing moves against two Iranian vessels as “piracy at sea and state terrorism,” while questioning Washington’s seriousness in pursuing negotiations.

Amid the uncertainty, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to extend the ceasefire and allow diplomacy more time. According to the Foreign Office, he conveyed these views during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, where recent regional developments were discussed.

“DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability,” the FO said, adding that Dar encouraged both Washington and Tehran to remain engaged and give negotiations a chance.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today. Discussions covered recent regional developments.

DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only… pic.twitter.com/1Roqj3R1gE

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 21, 2026

Baker, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and positive role” in promoting regional peace and facilitating dialogue, the statement added.

 Trump signals hard line, eyes ‘great deal’

Separately, US President Donald Trump struck a confident tone, asserting that Washington holds a strong negotiating position in talks with Iran.

“We’re going to end up with a great deal. I think they have no choice… We’re in a very, very strong negotiating position,” he told CNBC.

However, Trump ruled out extending the ceasefire, saying: “I don’t want to do that. We don’t have that much time.”

With prospects for last-ditch diplomacy still uncertain, he warned that the US could resume military action if a deal is not reached soon. “I expect to be bombing… the military is raring to go,” he said.

The two-week truce between the US and Iran was initially set to expire at 8pm (Eastern) on April 21, though Trump indicated it would now extend until Wednesday evening US time. He also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times,” further clouding the outlook for negotiations.