Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on April 18, 2026[1] that no date has been set for the next round of negotiations with the U.S., and that a framework of understanding must be agreed first. The remarks were made at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkey.
The absence of a timetable matters because the U.S. and Iran have been trying to revive talks that could lead to a broader nuclear agreement and a reduction in regional tensions. Without a clear schedule, diplomatic momentum stalls, and regional actors watch closely for signs of progress.
"No date has been set for the next round of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. A framework of understanding must be agreed first," Khatibzadeh said.
President Donald Trump, speaking to The Express Tribune, said the talks could happen over the upcoming weekend, a comment that contrasts sharply with Tehran's stance. Trump’s remark, while optimistic, highlights a growing public discrepancy between the two sides' expectations.
An unnamed Pakistani official, speaking to MSN, said regional partners are "keeping diplomacy alive and continue to work with all parties to achieve a breakthrough," highlighting the broader interest in a successful outcome.
The Antalya Forum brings together diplomats, analysts, and officials from across the Middle East and Europe. Participants view the forum as a venue for informal dialogue that can pave the way for formal negotiations. Khatibzadeh’s statement signals that Iran will not move forward until the U.S. acknowledges a framework that addresses Tehran’s core concerns, including sanctions relief and security guarantees.
Analysts note that the insistence on a framework is consistent with Iran’s past negotiation strategy, where pre‑talk agreements have been used to set parameters and build trust. If the U.S. chooses to accommodate this demand, a schedule could be set in the weeks that follow; if not, the diplomatic deadlock may extend, affecting other regional initiatives.
“No date has been set for the next round of negotiations between Iran and the United States. A framework of understanding must be agreed first.”
Without a mutually‑agreed framework, the U.S. and Iran are unlikely to set a concrete date for the next negotiation round, meaning the already fragile diplomatic effort could remain stalled, prolonging uncertainty around the nuclear agreement and regional stability.
