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A new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks is set to take place in Islamabad on Monday, April 20, with Iranian sources telling CNN that negotiators from both sides are expected to arrive in Pakistan's capital on Sunday.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum that "80% of the work is done" but both sides must show flexibility on the remaining gaps.
Iranian sources familiar with the negotiations told CNN that negotiators from both sides are expected to arrive in Islamabad on Sunday ahead of Monday's talks.
Neither the U.S. nor the Iranian government issued a formal confirmation, though Trump had told reporters negotiations would take place "probably over the weekend."
The White House did not provide additional details.
The first round held last weekend ended without agreement after more than 21 hours of talks.
Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum's panel on South Asian economic integration, Dar offered the most specific public progress assessment yet from the mediating side.
"Our goal is not to extend the ceasefire. Our fundamental goal is for the war to end permanently," Dar said, referencing Pakistan's mediation role.
On the state of the talks, he said: "80 percent of the work is done. A few things remain. Both sides—the U.S. and Iran—must show flexibility."
Aboard Air Force One, Trump offered an upbeat framing of the negotiations.
"The Iran thing is just going well," Trump said.
Asked about Iran imposing tolls or restrictions on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Trump was categorical: "Nope. No way. No. Nope. No, they're not going to be tolls."
He confirmed negotiations were continuing. "We're negotiating over the weekend," he told reporters, without providing further details.
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