President Donald Trump hinted on Wednesday that a second round of talks between the United States and Iran could take place as early as Friday (April 24), and mentioned that Pakistani officials were making mediation efforts aimed at resuming negotiations.

According to the New York Post, sources in Islamabad, referring to positive diplomatic progress with Tehran, stated that "good news" regarding resumed discussions could emerge within "36 to 72 hours."

When asked about a potential breakthrough, President Trump responded to the newspaper in a text message: "It's possible! President DJT."

This news comes as President Trump has set a short deadline, warning that the cease-fire he extended on Tuesday is at risk of collapsing if Iran's warring factions do not present a consistent counter-proposal.

The U.S. negotiating team still believes an agreement that ends the war and resolves Iran's remaining nuclear program is possible, but concerns are growing about who in Tehran has the authority to agree to the terms of negotiation.

Vice President JD Vance had prepared to travel to Islamabad to lead the next round of talks, but canceled the schedule as Iranian officials had not confirmed their participation.

Following consultations with his national security team, including Secretary of Defense Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegges, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kain, President Trump made the final decision on Tuesday to extend the cease-fire to avoid military escalation.

According to Newsmax, a federal official stated, "The degree of conflict has become clear in the past few days, and in such a situation, questions arose about whether going to Islamabad would really be meaningful. Therefore, we decided to give more time for diplomatic efforts."

Newsmax reported that a U.S. source close to President Trump said, "President Trump does not seem to want to use military force anymore, and appears to have decided to end the war."

President Trump announced the extension of the cease-fire until Iran's negotiating team presents its proposal and negotiations are finalized, while ordering the military to maintain a naval blockade on Iran and "remain on alert in all aspects."

Newsmax, citing sources, reported, "Despite the heated arguments, the fact that the cease-fire is being maintained indicates that both sides are showing positive intentions," and "Neither side is showing an escalation of military tensions."

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter of U.S. NNP / Special Correspondent for this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com