Among the various issues at stake was the Strait of Hormuz, an important transit point for global energy supplies that Iran has effectively blocked
Iranian and U.S. officials ended their highest-level talks in decades without a breakthrough, but 11 sources familiar with the negotiations said the dialogue is still alive. The weekend meeting to resolve the conflict between the US and Iran, held four days after the April 6 ceasefire announcement, it was the first direct meeting between US and Iranian officials in more than a decade and the most important commitment since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.
Among the various issues at stake was the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit point for global energy supplies that Iran has effectively blocked but which the US has promised to reopen, as well as Iran’s nuclear program and international sanctions against Tehran. “There was great hope in the middle of the negotiations that there would be a breakthrough and the two sides would reach an agreement. However, things changed in a short time,” said a Pakistani government source.
As Iran’s demands included a guaranteed permanent ceasefireassurances that there would be no future attacks against Iran and its allies in the region, lifting of primary and secondary sanctions, unfreezing of all assets, recognition of its right to enrichment and continued control of Hormuz, Iranian sources said.
Another source involved in the talks said the parties came “very close” to an agreement and were “80% there” before being faced with decisions that could not be resolved on the spot. Two senior Iranian sources described the atmosphere as heavy and hostile, adding that although Pakistan has tried to defuse the mood, neither side has shown a willingness to ease tensions.
A White House official said the U.S. wanted Iran to end all uranium enrichment, dismantle all major nuclear enrichment facilities, hand over its highly enriched uranium, accept a broader peace, agree to a security framework that includes regional allies, end funding for regional allies and fully open Hormuz without charging a toll.
O US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran had “called this morning” and that “they would like to close a deal”. Reuters could not immediately verify the claim. A US official, referring to Trump’s comment, said there had been continued engagement between the US and Iran and progress in trying to reach a deal.
Asked to comment, White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said the US position never changed at the Islamabad meeting. “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and President Trump’s negotiating team has maintained this red line and many others. Engagement continues toward an agreement,” she said.
*Reuters
