The US and Iranian negotiation teams may return to Islamabad later this week, five sources told Reuters on Tuesday, days after the highest-level talks between the two countries in over a decade ended without results.

“No firm date has been set, with the delegations keeping ⁠Friday through Sunday open,” a senior Iranian source said.

Two Pakistani sources said that Islamabad is talking to both sides about the timing of the next round, and it will likely take place on the weekend.

“We have reached out to Iran, and we got a positive response that they will be open to a second round of talks,” a senior Pakistani government official said.

President Trump said on Monday that Iran contacted the U.S. and signaled willingness to reach a deal, but emphasized that he would not accept any agreement that allows Tehran to possess nuclear weapons.

Vance told Fox News on Monday that significant progress had been made in last Saturday’s talks, adding that “the ball is now in the Iranians’ court,” explaining that Iran has to accept the red lines of not pursuing nuclear power and terrorism.

An official told Al Arabiya that although the first round ended without an agreement, the talks are part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-time effort.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry, military, and prime minister’s office did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The White ​House also did not ​immediately respond to a ⁠request for comment.

Meanwhile, over 15 U.S. warships have been deployed to support an operation to blockade Iran’s ports. Shortly after the blockade was set to begin, Trump warned on social media that Iranian warships that come “anywhere close” to the U.S. blockade will be destroyed by a “quick and brutal” strike.

Trump hinted that the blockade could resemble actions taken against Venezuela, including targeting vessels at sea. He said yesterday that any Iranian fast-attack craft would be struck “using the same lethal method used against drug traffickers at sea.”

Iranian Defense Minister Majid ibn Reza said the Islamic Republic is “prepared for all scenarios” and warned: “We will respond strongly and decisively in a way that will make our enemies regret any aggression.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)