Unprecedented Face-to

Direct discussions between Americans and Iranians opened on Saturday, April 11 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Each side is advancing their positions in an atmosphere of total mistrust.

At two in the morning in Islamabad, discussions are still ongoing. Throughout the day, little to no information about the negotiations between Americans and Iranians. According to Iranian official media, the United States has excessive demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Communication is tightly controlled and the staging is carefully done. Faced with the Pakistani Prime Minister, the American Vice President smiles. Long embrace for the President of the Iranian Parliament. Pakistan is acting as a mediator for what are expected to be historic negotiations. On television, Iran displays its ambitions. “A fierce struggle is underway on the diplomatic front. We hope to emerge from this ordeal with honor,” said Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For hours during Saturday, April 11, there were few images, except for the capital surrounded by security forces. Businesses are closed, employees have two days of forced leave. Those participating in the discussions between the two sides are a mystery. One thing is certain, the President of the Iranian Parliament came with a man on the left, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Supreme Leader is not present, but he is said to be consulted via audioconference.

On the American side, the Vice President leads the negotiations, but Donald Trump’s son-in-law is never far away. Amid the discussions, the Iranians are pushing for the release of their frozen financial assets – 100 billion euros held abroad. The United States, on the other hand, want to secure the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Iranians, two negotiation sessions were held today, with a third still ongoing or scheduled for Sunday, April 12.