Published on 11/04/2026 at 20:57
Iran, the United States, and Pakistan united in undisclosed discussions. Behind a very controlled setting, negotiations are unfolding and could mark a major diplomatic turning point, between the release of Iranian funds and strategic issues around the Strait of Hormuz.
The communication is locked down and the staging is careful. Faced with the Pakistani Prime Minister, the Vice President of America smiles. A lengthy embrace for the President of the Iranian Parliament. Pakistan is mediating for what could be historic negotiations. On television, Iran displays its ambitions. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, states, “A fierce struggle is taking place on the diplomatic front. We hope to come out of this ordeal with honor.”
For hours on April 11, there were few to no images, except for the capital being cordoned off by security forces. Businesses were closed, employees had two days of forced leave. Then, a surprise, the talks began. As our special envoy on-site, Angélique Forget, tells us, “Very concretely, today, the Pakistani organizers received both Iranians and Americans in the same room. It was completely unexpected. We had long believed they would refuse to meet. This is even one of the first victories of this summit.”
Who is participating in the discussions between the two sides? Mystery. One thing is certain, the President of the Iranian Parliament came with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Supreme Leader is not present, but he is said to be consulted via audio conference. On the American side, the Vice President leads the negotiations, but Donald Trump’s son-in-law is never far away. The Iranians are pushing for the release of their financial assets: 100 billion euros frozen abroad. The United States, on the other hand, are looking to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Iranians, two negotiation sessions have taken place. A third could occur on April 11 or 12.
