Iranian negotiators are set to return to Islamabad in an effort to revive stalled cease-fire talks with the United States, with Pakistan serving as the primary intermediary. The discussions were disrupted after President Donald Trump announced that senior American aides would not travel to Pakistan for the next round, casting doubt on the future of the negotiations.

Although Mr. Trump later said Iran had offered an improved proposal, it remains unclear when direct talks might resume. Both sides have signaled they do not want a prolonged conflict, but deep disagreements persist over the terms of a durable peace agreement.

The conflict began in late February following a joint assault on Iran by the United States and Israel. Since then, Mr. Trump has alternated between threatening strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and extending time for negotiations. Iran has rejected claims that it has agreed to most American demands and insists on its own conditions, including the lifting of a naval blockade before resuming face-to-face discussions.

With tensions affecting global energy markets and oil shipping routes, the diplomatic process now depends largely on indirect exchanges through Pakistani mediators, as both sides struggle to find common ground.