-- Pakistan on Tuesday pushed for diplomacy between the US and Iran as the ceasefire expiry nears, while participation from Iran remains uncertain amid the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker met Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday to review regional developments, with both sides stressing continued diplomatic engagement, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an X post.
Dar called on the US and Iran to extend the ceasefire and prioritize negotiations, encouraging both sides to give diplomacy a chance, according to the ministry's statement.
He reiterated Pakistan's stance that dialogue remains the only workable path to lasting peace, urging efforts to avoid escalation and maintain regional stability, the ministry said.
The two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday, with both sides expected to weigh next steps amid rising tensions and fragile diplomatic signals.
A delegation comprising US Vice President JD Vance, along with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, is expected to represent Washington in a second round of talks scheduled in Islamabad, according to media reports.
Iran's participation remains uncertain, with officials saying negotiations will not proceed while the US maintains a naval blockade, and calling a recent vessel seizure a violation of the ceasefire, according to multiple media reports.
Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported Tuesday that Iran's decision not to participate in the second round of peace negotiations remains unchanged.
Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Tuesday that they are still awaiting Iran's confirmation on attending the Islamabad peace talks as the ceasefire deadline approaches.
Tarar added, "Pakistan as the mediator is in constant touch with Iranians and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue."
Highlighting the urgency ahead of the ceasefire expiry, Tarar said, "Ceasefire ends at 4.50 am PST, 22 April. Decision from Iran to attend the talks before the end of two weeks ceasefire is critical."
Meanwhile, in several posts on Truth Social on Tuesday, President Donald Trump said that recent US strikes had destroyed Iran's nuclear-related sites, claiming debris remains inaccessible and rejecting criticism from political opponents and media outlets.
In another post, Trump said, "operation Midnight Hammer, which totally obliterated the nuclear dust locations to the point where... Iran has been unable to get to it, or dig it out."
He added that US Space Force systems are monitoring the targeted locations, asserting Iran cannot recover materials from the impacted facilities.
Trump also urged Iranian leaders to release eight detained women, calling it a goodwill step that could positively influence upcoming negotiations, he said on Truth Social.
In an earlier post, Trump said, "Iran has violated the cease fire numerous times!"
In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Trump reportedly said that the US is "going to end up with a great deal" with Iran, adding that he did not expect a ceasefire extension.
On an expected outcome to the second round of negotiations with Iran, Trump reportedly said, "I think they have no choice."
The US Central Command in a post on X on Tuesday provided an update to the maritime blockade on Iranian vessels and ports, saying that US forces have directed a total of 28 vessels to turn around or return to port.
Oil prices rose on Tuesday, with Brent up 2.6% to $97.96/bbl, WTI up 4.34% to $93.50/bbl, and Murban up 2.4% to $95.27/bbl, reflecting heightened geopolitical uncertainty.