Iranian envoy meets PM Shehbaz amid Iran-US talks deadlock

ISLAMABAD: Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday to discuss the regional situation and ongoing peace efforts, the prime minister’s office said.

No further details of the meeting were disclosed.

The talks come at a time of heightened diplomatic activity amid a continuing deadlock in negotiations between Iran and the United States, despite an announced extension in a ceasefire by US President Donald Trump.

Amb. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 22.4.2026 to discuss the ongoing regional situation and peace efforts. pic.twitter.com/GpQLmw12dy

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 22, 2026

Earlier, Trump announced an open-ended extension of the ceasefire with Iran, saying the move is intended to give diplomacy more time. However, uncertainty surrounds the decision, as it remains unclear whether Iran or US ally Israel will formally agree to continue the truce.

In a statement shared on social media, Trump said Washington had accepted a request from Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, to delay further military action while negotiations continue. Pakistani leadership has been hosting talks in Islamabad in an effort to end the conflict, which has lasted nearly two months and caused widespread human and economic damage.

Iran has said it is willing to resume negotiations with the United States once Washington lifts its naval blockade, describing the move as a prerequisite for meaningful dialogue.

According to a post by Tasnim News Agency on X, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran is prepared to begin talks immediately after the blockade is removed.

“If they want to sit on [the] table and discuss and find a political solution, they will find us ready. If they want to go to the war, in this case also, Iran is ready for that,” he said.

Pakistan has in recent weeks positioned itself as a facilitator for dialogue between the two sides, urging continued engagement to sustain the ceasefire and avoid further escalation in the region.