What’s on the Negotiating Table in Today’s Islamabad Talks?

Shazia Mehboob

Islamabad: High-stakes negotiations between US and Iranian delegations in Islamabad have entered a critical phase as both sides attempt to preserve a fragile ceasefire while confronting deep and longstanding disputes.

Hosted by Pakistan, the talks are being seen as an early but cautious attempt to open a structured dialogue between Washington and Tehran. 

Discussions are based on two competing proposals, a 15-point United States (US) framework and a 10-point Iranian plan, reflecting sharp divergences despite a shared willingness to continue engagement.

Nuclear Weapons

The most difficult issue remains Iran’s nuclear programme. The US is seeking binding assurances that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons, along with strict limits on uranium enrichment and enhanced monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

 Iran, meanwhile, maintains that its nuclear activities are strictly peaceful and insists that enrichment is a sovereign right that cannot be compromised.

Sanctions Relief

Sanctions relief has emerged as another major sticking point. Tehran is demanding the immediate lifting of all US and international sanctions as well as access to frozen overseas assets. Washington, however, is pushing for a step-by-step easing of restrictions, tied to verified Iranian compliance on nuclear and regional security commitments.

Control over Hormuz 

Maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz has also surfaced as a contentious issue. Iran is seeking formal recognition of its role in managing the strategic waterway, while the US is calling for unrestricted and secure passage for global shipping, citing its importance to international energy flows.

Regional Security 

Regional security concerns continue to complicate the talks. The US is pressing Iran to scale back support for allied armed groups across the Middle East, whereas Iran is demanding an end to military pressure on those groups and broader regional de-escalation. 

Tehran has also reiterated calls for the withdrawal of US forces from the region, while Washington has shown no indication of reducing its military presence, pointing to security obligations to allies.

ballistic Missile Programme

Iran’s ballistic missile programme remains another unresolved issue, with the US seeking constraints on development while Iran argues that its defence capabilities are non-negotiable and essential for national security.

Iran’s Compensation Demand 

Additional tensions include Iran’s demand for compensation related to past conflicts and US calls for accountability over attacks targeting its interests and partners.

With the two-week ceasefire deadline approaching, diplomatic sources suggest the talks are unlikely to produce an immediate breakthrough. 

However, both sides appear willing to continue discussions in phases, potentially extending the ceasefire as negotiations move forward cautiously.

What defines this fragile ceasefire is yet to be seen, as the tone of dusk settles over Islamabad’s political atmosphere.