Germany has urged Tehran to seize what may be one of the last diplomatic openings before tensions rise again, saying Iran-US talks in Islamabad should move forward for the sake of the Iranian people. The appeal comes as a fragile ceasefire nears its deadline and uncertainty still surrounds whether Iran will join another round of negotiations in Pakistan.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Tuesday that Iran should accept the U.S. offer of talks in Islamabad. He made the remarks ahead of a foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, where European officials again pressed for de-escalation. The diplomacy remains highly fragile. Reporting on Tuesday indicated that Vice President JD Vance would lead a U.S. delegation to Islamabad if Iran agreed to participate, but Tehran had not confirmed that any delegation was en route.
Pakistan has emerged as the main venue and mediator for contacts between Washington and Tehran. Earlier reporting said the first round of talks in Islamabad failed to produce a deal, but Pakistan continued trying to keep both sides engaged as the ceasefire window narrowed. That role has given Islamabad unusual diplomatic weight in a conflict with broad regional consequences. The city has also prepared for possible high-level negotiations with heightened security and other logistical measures.
The main problem is not the lack of a venue, but the lack of trust. Iran has publicly expressed deep scepticism toward Washington, while U.S. messaging has at times appeared inconsistent, increasing doubts about whether diplomacy can succeed. The ceasefire is also under strain. Recent coverage suggested that the truce was nearing expiry, with renewed fighting remaining a real risk if the parties fail to reach a political breakthrough.
Wadephul’s intervention reflects broader European concern that the remaining path to de-escalation may be closing quickly. His message was clear: if Washington is willing to send top-level negotiators, Tehran should respond before the conflict worsens further.
For now, the talks have stalled rather than collapsed. But until Iran confirms its participation and both sides narrow their differences, Islamabad represents less a breakthrough venue than a symbol of how narrow the diplomatic runway has become.
