The United States and Iran may resume face-to-face negotiations in Islamabad next week, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. The potential meeting would mark the first direct talks between the two countries in months, amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional conflicts.
What the WSJ Report Says
Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the Wall Street Journal reported that discussions could take place in the Pakistani capital as early as next week. Neither Washington nor Tehran has officially confirmed the plan, and the report did not specify which officials would attend or what topics would be on the agenda.
Past rounds of indirect talks, often mediated by Oman or European diplomats, have stalled since late 2023. Islamabad has occasionally served as a backchannel for US-Iran communications, but regular bilateral meetings there would be a shift in venue.
Why Talks Could Matter
Any resumption of dialogue comes as the US continues to enforce sanctions on Iran, and Tehran enriches uranium at levels close to weapons-grade. The two sides have been at an impasse over reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, which the US abandoned in 2018. Regional issues, including Iran's support for armed groups in the Middle East, also remain points of friction.
Pakistan's role as host would be notable. Islamabad maintains diplomatic ties with both Washington and Tehran, and has tried to position itself as a mediator in regional disputes. The country's foreign ministry did not immediately comment on the report.
Uncertainty Around the Schedule
It's unclear whether the reported meeting would be a preliminary exploratory session or part of a more structured negotiation process. The Wall Street Journal did not offer details on whether a specific date or venue in Islamabad has been set. Both governments have made no public statements about the talks.
If the discussions do take place, they would represent the highest-level engagement between the US and Iran since indirect talks in Qatar ended without a deal in 2023. Whether progress is possible this time around — and whether Islamabad can help bridge the gap — remains an open question.
