But a series of escalations by the US is complicating those efforts, say analysts.

The U.S. and Iran are set to engage in new ceasefire talks in Islamabad as a two-week truce nears its expiration. Both sides express readiness for renewed conflict if negotiations fail.

Both sides remain dug in rhetorically, with Donald Trump warning that "lots of bombs" will "start going off" if there’s no agreement before the ceasefire deadline.

ISLAMABAD — Major hotels are sold out for reservations this week and some transportation and other services have shut down in and near Pakistan’s capital city on Sunday, as the world waits in hope for a successful second round of peace talks between Iran and the US to take place.

Pakistan is the key broker in talks to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. But it did not always get along with President Donald Trump and does not recognize Israel.

NBC News is in Islamabad ahead of potentially decisive new talks between America’s Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s leadership.

Sheikh Nadeem sat on a plastic chair outside his bedding store in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, scrolling through his phone as he waited for customers he knew were not coming.

With less than two days until a ceasefire between the U.S., Israel and Iran expires, prospects for peace are threatened. Iran’s military is threatening to retaliate after the U.S. seized one of its