What are the main talking points at the US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan?
Reuters
Published: 11 Apr 2026, 04:37 PM
Top US and Iranian officials gathered in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Saturday to hold talks that seek to end their war in the Middle East that has killed thousands, roiled energy supplies and hurt the global economy.
Here are the key issues the two sides are expected to discuss, with Tehran insisting that formal talks can begin only after Washington gives commitments on a ceasefire in Lebanon and lifting sanctions on Iran.
- Iran wants a ceasefire in Lebanon, where
Israeli attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah group have killed nearly 2,000
people since the start
of the fighting in March. Israel and the US have said the Lebanon campaign is not part of
the Iran-US ceasefire while Tehran insists it is.
- Iran wants the US to unblock Iranian assets
and end sanctions that have crippled its economy for years. Washington has
indicated that it is open to significant sanctions relief but only in exchange
for concessions from Iran on its nuclear and missile programmes.
- Iran wants acknowledgment of its authority
over the Strait of Hormuz, where it aims to collect transit fees and control access in what would
amount to a huge shift in regional power. The US wants it opened for oil
tankers and other traffic without any limitations, including tolls.
- Iran is expected to demand compensation for
all damage during the six-week war. The US has not commented on this.
- Iran wants to be allowed to enrich uranium,
which Washington has ruled out and President Donald Trump has insisted is
non-negotiable.
- Israel and the US both want Iran's missile capabilities to be dramatically curtailed. Tehran has said its formidable missile arsenal is non-negotiable.
- Iran wants withdrawal of US combat forces
from the region, cessation of war on all fronts and a commitment to non-aggression. Trump has
vowed to retain military assets
in the Middle East until a peace deal is reached and warned of a major escalation
in fighting if it failed to comply.
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