Geneva emerges as rival venue to host US, Iran mediators as Pakistan pitches for Islamabad talks 2.0

Following the collapse of US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, efforts are underway to organise a second round of negotiations before the fragile ceasefire expires on April 21.

Pakistan has once again offered to host fresh talks in Islamabad in the coming days. Senior Pakistani officials told AFP that diplomatic efforts are focused on bringing both sides back to the table and securing an extension of the ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations.

"Efforts are underway to bring both parties back to the table, of course we want them back in Islamabad, but the venue is not final yet," said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject matter.

"The meeting could take place soon though dates have yet to be confirmed," the source said.

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Geneva is also in consideration as an alternative venue

The major suspense that rotates around is the venue. While Pakistan has proposed for the fresh round of talks in Islamabad, AP has reported that Geneva is also in consideration as an alternative venue.

There was no breakthrough as no deal was made out of the first round of peace talks which started in Islamabad on Saturday (Apr 11) and ended on Sunday (April 12).

Talks failed in first round of talks

Both the sides failed to reach an agreement to end the war. US Vice President JD Vance said Sunday that 21 hours of talks with Iran failed to reach an agreement, saying he was leaving after putting forward a “final and best offer”.

A report in CNN said that US President Donald Trump is open for resumption in negotiations if Tehran is ready to submit to his demand.

Blockade of Strait of Hormuz

Trump on Sunday announced a US naval blockade of the volatile Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies from one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.

The US began blocking ships from entering or exiting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of Trump’s effort to force Tehran to open the vital waterway and accept a deal to end the war that has raged for more than six weeks.

After Trump announced the blockade, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the blockade would affect only maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports. It stressed that US forces would not “impede freedom of navigation” for vessels transiting the strait to and from other ports.

CENTCOM said the blockade on the key trade route would be enforced “impartially” against any and all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, including those on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Vice President JD Vance on Monday said that the US has made a lot of progress in talks with Iran. He added that the US expects Iran will make progress on opening the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the negotiation would change if Tehran does not.