Reuters "US-Iran negotiations to resume later this week... possibility as early as the 16th"

US delegation (left) and Iranian delegation at talks to end the war in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, on April 11 (local time)

Reuters reported on the 14th (local time) that US and Iranian negotiators are expected to return to the negotiating table in Islamabad, Pakistan, later this week.

Reuters cited four local sources for this information.

If both sides are indeed pushing for a resumption of negotiations, it means the possibility of another face-to-face meeting is being considered just days after the first peace talks in Islamabad on the 12th ended with 'no deal'.

An Iranian official told Reuters that the exact date for the second round of negotiations has not yet been set, but the delegation has tentatively cleared their schedules between the 17th and 19th.

A US official also told the Associated Press that while the negotiation venue, timing, and delegation composition have not yet been decided, there is a possibility that the second round of negotiations could be held on the 16th.

A Pakistani source, acting as a mediator between the US and Iran, said they are communicating with both sides regarding the timing of additional negotiations, and that the talks are likely to be held over the weekend.

In this regard, sources said that Pakistan has conveyed to both the US and Iran a proposal to send their respective delegations again to resume negotiations.

A senior Pakistani government official told Reuters, "We contacted Iran, and we received a positive response that they would be open to a second round of negotiations."

These developments also come after US President Donald Trump enforced a counter-blockade on the 13th in response to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, the US Central Command began a maritime blockade against Iran, centered on the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's crude oil and gas shipments pass, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time on the 13th (11:00 PM KST on the 13th).

Both the US and Iran exchanged harsh words over the US counter-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump said on Truth Social on the 13th, referring to Iran's 'fast attack boats', "If any of these ships come close to our blockade (blocked waters), they will be immediately eliminated."

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a statement aimed at President Trump, "If you fight, we will fight."