PANews reported on April 12 that the third round of talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad has concluded, with Iran calling it the "last chance" to reach a framework agreement. Since April 11, the two sides have been engaged in intensive negotiations, working late into the night, with all parties vying for the temporary ceasefire window and intensifying their maneuvering. However, sharp disagreements remain on three core issues: control of the Strait of Hormuz, unfreezing overseas assets, and uranium enrichment. Outside the negotiating table, the US military announced mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Israeli Prime Minister declared that Israel would continue its strikes against Iran and its proxies. With the ceasefire window closing, diplomatic maneuvering and military actions are escalating simultaneously, placing the Middle East at a crossroads of war and peace.