Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are continuing diplomatic efforts with the United States and Iran in a bid to bridge remaining differences and secure a deal to end the conflict, according to regional and U.S. officials.

All parties involved believe an agreement remains within reach, with hopes that progress in the coming days could pave the way for another round of negotiations before the current ceasefire expires on April 21.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a return to military action if a proposed naval blockade fails to pressure Iran into concessions. Potential targets could include infrastructure previously identified by the White House before the ceasefire was announced.

U.S. officials said both the blockade and the earlier decision to step away from talks in Islamabad are part of a broader negotiating strategy aimed at limiting Iran’s ability to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage.

“We are not in a complete deadlock. The door is not closed yet,” a regional source said. “Both sides are bargaining.”

A U.S. official echoed that assessment, noting that a deal could be achieved if Iran shows greater flexibility and accepts the framework outlined during talks in Islamabad.

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said the negotiations had not failed but instead established a foundation for ongoing diplomacy.

“If trust and will are strengthened, we can create a sustainable framework that serves all parties,” he wrote.

Officials familiar with the talks said key sticking points remain, particularly on nuclear issues. Washington is pressing Iran to halt uranium enrichment and relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched material, while Tehran is seeking the release of frozen assets in exchange for concessions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the sides had come “inches away” from an agreement before the United States altered its demands—a claim not confirmed by U.S. or regional sources, though they acknowledged meaningful progress.

Diplomatic engagement has intensified in recent days. Turkish and Egyptian foreign ministers have held calls with their Pakistani counterpart, followed by discussions with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Araghchi, as efforts continue to prevent a collapse of the ceasefire and secure a broader agreement.