The first direct discussions between the two countries are set to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan. The specific agenda and the presence of the Iranian delegation remain uncertain.
More than 10,000 mobilized men, deployed paramilitary rangers… In Pakistan, the city of Islamabad was placed under high security on Friday, April 10, as it welcomed talks between the United States and Iran, the first since the start of the war a month and a half ago.
The two delegations will meet face-to-face at a luxury hotel in the Pakistani capital. American side, Vice President J.D. Vance and envoys of Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will lead these negotiations. Before boarding Air Force Two on Friday afternoon to travel to Pakistan, the vice president said he wanted “positive negotiations” with Iran while urging Tehran not to “play games” with Washington.
On the Iranian side, many uncertainties persist: the delegation, which is still unclear about its arrival, could include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament, and Abbas Araghtchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The agenda for the discussions includes ending the war (including a ceasefire in Lebanon), the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the enrichment of Iranian uranium.
A lasting peace agreement
After five weeks of a war that has claimed thousands of lives, the last-minute ceasefire concluded Wednesday between Washington and Tehran has brought some respite. But this time, the goal is to go further and achieve a lasting peace agreement. Donald Trump is optimistic. “Iranian leaders have a different tone in public meetings and with the press. They are much more reasonable,” stated the US president in an interview.
Ceasefire in Lebanon
To carry out these talks successfully, each side is trying to define the scope. Iran insists on “the cessation of the war on all fronts, including against the Islamic resistance in Lebanon.” Donald Trump mentioned in an interview that Lebanon was not included in the ceasefire agreement due to Hezbollah, but he promised to resolve it.
Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
Another key topic is the Strait of Hormuz. The US demands the immediate reopening of this vital maritime passage for global oil and gas traffic. Iran seems to be considering a toll for passing ships, causing a disagreement between the two parties.
Iranian nuclear issue
If the Iranian delegation goes to Islamabad, they will also demand the recognition of their right to enrich uranium. Iranian officials have rejected any restrictions on their nuclear program. Washington, on the other hand, has different requirements, including a ban on uranium enrichment in Iran and reducing the Iranian ballistic missile program.
Iran’s refusal to comply with the long-standing US nuclear demands is expected to hinder an agreement in Islamabad. The Iranian leaders are aware of the economic consequences of a conflict resumption, which may lead them to soften their stance to reach an agreement.
