Uncertainty surrounding the second round of US–Iran peace talks has reportedly ended after Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved the country’s participation. The crucial negotiations, aimed at de-escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan.
According to an Axios report, the approval was granted late Monday night (April 20), despite earlier indications from Iran’s foreign ministry that it would not engage in talks with the United States. The development marks a significant policy shift and has reopened diplomatic channels after days of conflicting statements from Iranian officials.
In parallel, US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday morning to accelerate the negotiation process. The urgency is heightened as a 14-day ceasefire agreement between the two sides is set to expire on April 22, raising concerns over potential escalation if discussions fail to yield results.
Tensions remain high as US President Donald Trump has warned of possible military action, including heavy bombing, if the talks collapse before the deadline. While Iran’s foreign ministry had earlier rejected negotiations, reports suggest internal pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) influenced the delay. The outcome of the upcoming talks is now being closely watched globally amid fears of a wider conflict.