US and Iranian officials are expected to resume peace talks on Sunday after a round of historic negotiations paused following discussions that stretched into the early morning, according to the Iranian government. The talks, which are taking place in Islamabad, were reported to have made progress enough to continue, but serious disagreements remain.
The latest discussions come as Pakistan tries to help broker a broader peace deal. The negotiations have drawn international attention because of the scale of the conflict and the pressure on global shipping and energy markets.
Talks pause after overnight discussions
Iranian government officials said the historic meeting had been suspended after continuing into the early hours. The pause came amid reports that the US and Iran remain far apart on key issues, even as both sides continue to engage through mediated channels.
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel remains committed to fighting Iran. His comments underline the wider regional stakes surrounding the negotiations and the continuing military and political tensions tied to the conflict.
Pakistan and regional diplomacy
Pakistan has been working to support the peace effort by hosting the talks in Islamabad. The country has positioned itself as a broker in an attempt to reduce tensions and move the parties toward an agreement. The fact that the discussions are continuing, even after an overnight pause, suggests that diplomatic efforts are still active despite the unresolved disputes.
The source described the meetings as conditional peace talks, reflecting how uncertain the process remains. While the talks are being treated as significant, there is no indication that a final deal has been reached.
Strait of Hormuz meeting planned in the UK
Separately, the UK will host a Strait of Hormuz meeting next week involving multiple countries. The gathering is aimed at restoring free movement of ships through the strategically important waterway, which has been blockaded by Iran since the start of the war. The disruption has caused major damage to the global economy.
A British official told the Associated Press that the meeting will oppose the idea of tolls being charged for passage through the strait. Iran has proposed such tolls as part of ceasefire negotiations, but the UK-led meeting is expected to reject that approach.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes, and restrictions there have added to concerns over trade, fuel supplies and wider economic stability. The planned meeting in the UK signals that governments are still looking for ways to reopen the route and reduce the strain on international commerce.
Broader pressure on the negotiations
The combination of stalled diplomacy, continued fighting rhetoric and maritime disruption highlights the complexity of the crisis. The US and Iran are under pressure to make progress, but the latest reports suggest that the path toward an agreement remains uncertain.
With talks expected to resume on Sunday, attention will turn to whether negotiators can narrow the gaps that have so far prevented a breakthrough. For now, the process remains open, but the major disagreements between the sides are still unresolved.
