Diplomatic efforts to ease the ongoing crisis between the United States and Iran continue, but uncertainty remains over the resumption of peace talks. With only one week left before the current ceasefire expires, international concern and a sense of urgency are rising. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Islamabad reported that progress has slowed mainly due to a form of stagnation on the US side. Pakistan’s army chief is currently in Tehran, delivering messages from Washington and laying the groundwork for the next round of discussions in Islamabad.

Although the White House press secretary has not confirmed that the next talks will take place in Islamabad, sources indicate that no alternative venue is being considered. Since the first round of talks ended last Sunday, Pakistan has been serving as the main diplomatic intermediary between the two sides. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry said that all plans are proceeding as expected, and both parties are being prepared to return to Islamabad.

Major obstacles remain, particularly over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Despite these challenges, there is still an opportunity to bring both sides back to the negotiating table before the ceasefire expires next week.