After a long period of indirect contacts between the US and Iran, the two sides sat down at the negotiating table for the first time.
A US delegation led by JD Vance reportedly held face-to-face meetings with Iranian officials in Pakistan. According to sources, both sides also contacted the Pakistani Prime Minister separately prior to the meetings.
The talks are described as a high-risk diplomatic process, and it was noted that previous contacts were largely conducted through intermediaries. In this respect, the shift to a direct negotiation format is interpreted as a significant turning point.
US President Donald Trump made a noteworthy statement, saying that the process of “cleaning up” the Strait of Hormuz, which is critically important for global energy trade, has been initiated. However, it is not yet clear how this statement will be reflected on the ground.
On the other hand, diplomatic activity in the region is not limited to the US-Iran axis. Lebanese and Israeli diplomats are scheduled to meet in Washington DC next week. Despite the US-Iran ceasefire, the ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah indicate that tensions in the region persist.
Intelligence sources claim that China is preparing to send new air defense systems to Iran. However, the Chinese Embassy in Washington has denied these claims. This development could create a new source of tension in the fragile ceasefire environment.
According to reports in Iranian media, the talks in Islamabad have progressed to the technical details stage. Tasnim News Agency reported that the parties are conducting in-depth negotiations on specific topics at the expert level. While initially planned to last one day, the talks may be extended due to the scope of the technical issues being discussed.
Pakistani sources stated that the first round of talks lasted approximately two hours before the parties took a break. US officials added that they have not yet received any threats from Iran against the ships.
President Trump, in his statement regarding the day’s developments, avoided making a clear assessment of the progress of the negotiations. Confirming that the talks had officially begun, Trump said that regarding Iran’s sincerity, “we will understand very soon.” Trump also stated that the US was “ready to restart” negotiations if the process took a negative turn.
*This is not investment advice.
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