ISLAMABAD: As delegations from the United States and Iran sit down for crucial negotiations in Islamabad, broad but complex issues are expected to dominate the discussion.
Hosted by Pakistan, the talks aim to build on a fragile ceasefire and explore pathways to a broader agreement. The negotiations are structured around two competing proposals: a 10-point framework put forward by Iran and a 15-point plan put forward by the United States. Although both sides have expressed a willingness to engage, significant differences remain.
The Iranian nuclear program is at the heart of the negotiations. Washington is demanding firm guarantees that Tehran will not develop nuclear weapons, as well as strict limits on uranium enrichment and intrusive monitoring by the IAEA.
Iran, however, seeks recognition of its right to pursue peaceful nuclear activities, including enrichment, which it considers a matter of national sovereignty.
Economic sanctions are another central issue. Iran demands the immediate and complete lifting of all US and international sanctions, as well as the release of its frozen financial assets abroad.
The US position differs sharply, favoring a gradual easing of sanctions directly linked to Iran’s verifiable compliance with its nuclear and security commitments.
Control of and access to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is also a major point of contention. Iran is seeking official recognition of its role as regulator of the passage, citing its geographic and economic importance.
The United States, for its part, insists on completely open and secure international shipping lanes, without restrictions, given the importance of the strait to global energy supplies.
Regional influence remains a sensitive subject. Washington is pushing for an end to Iran’s support for allied armed groups in the Middle East, while Iran is demanding a halt to military actions against those groups and a broader de-escalation of regional conflicts.
Iran has called for the withdrawal of US forces from the region and a formal guarantee of non-aggression. The United States has not indicated a desire to reduce its military footprint, citing its security commitments to its allies.
Another controversial issue concerns Iran’s ballistic missile program. The United States seeks to limit missile development and expand its defense capabilities, while Iran views these demands as an attack on its sovereign right of self-defense.
Tehran has also raised the issue of compensation for damages resulting from recent conflicts, while the United States is expected to push for accountability mechanisms in the face of attacks on its interests and those of its allies.
As the two-week ceasefire expires, sources acknowledge that progress is likely to come in stages, starting with confidence-building measures from both sides. Although no immediate progress is expected, the source said, the talks process will likely continue, which would mean an extension of the ceasefire.
Originally published in The News
