Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed cautious optimism about the next round of US-Iran negotiations, saying positive progress has been observed despite the recent marathon talks in Islamabad ending without a final agreement.
Khawaja Asif says Allah the Almighty is merciful to Pakistan, adding that prospects for renewed negotiations between America and Iran still exist and a new round of talks will soon begin. pic.twitter.com/vLvZHD1sJA
— The Pakistan Daily (@ThePakDaily) April 13, 2026
Speaking to the media outside Parliament House on Tuesday, Asif noted that while the 21-hour direct negotiations between the two sides on Sunday did not yield a breakthrough, there was no negative fallout and the overall diplomatic momentum remained constructive.
“Only positive progress has been observed,” he said, adding that there is still a strong possibility of renewed dialogue in the near future.
When asked about Pakistan’s role in shaping the region’s future, the minister replied philosophically, saying ultimate decisions rest with Allah.
He also commented on reactions from India, noting a sense of unease and varying responses from across the border, while stressing that the broader diplomatic process in the region was moving forward positively.
The Islamabad Talks, hosted by Pakistan last week, involved more than 21 hours of face-to-face negotiations but failed to produce a deal to end the six-week war. US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American side, acknowledged the intensity of the discussions but described the outcome as “bad news for Iran much more than it was for the United States.”
Iran, on the other hand, accused the US of derailing the process after the two sides had come close to an agreement. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran had negotiated in good faith.
Following the collapse of the talks, President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports and threatened further action if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened.
Pakistan has continued to play an active mediating role. In recent weeks, it hosted a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, and also worked with China on a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
Despite the setback in Islamabad, both Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and supporting all efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
