Iranian local media reported that the United States and Iran are holding cease-fire talks. It said Pakistan is playing a mediating role between the two countries and that contacts are continuing.
On the 22nd local time, Reuters said semi-official Iranian outlet ISNA reported that "the United States and Iran are exchanging messages through Pakistan's mediation." ISNA said the two countries "are in talks to set a framework for an agreement."
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that "the United States and Iran have not yet reached a final agreement," but added that "a significant portion of the differences between the two sides has narrowed." The official said, however, that the issues of uranium enrichment and control over the Strait of Hormuz remain core sticking points.
Recent back-to-back visits to Tehran by senior Pakistani officials have added momentum to speculation that talks will resume. Iranian outlet Tasnim News and others reported the previous day that Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, would arrive in Tehran.
Munir, regarded as a power broker in Pakistan, was also said to have played a key mediating role at the U.S.-Iran cease-fire talks held in Islamabad on the 8th of last month.
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also visited Tehran twice, on the 16th and 20th, and met Iran's foreign minister and interior minister.
U.S. President Donald Trump likewise met reporters at the White House on the 20th and said, "We are in the final stages regarding the Iran issue," signaling expectations for progress in the talks.