Senior US and Iranian officials met in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Saturday for talks aimed at ending the Middle East conflict that has killed thousands of people and affected the world's energy supply and the global economy.
There are seven main topics the two sides are expected to discuss, Reuters notes, noting that Iran insists formal negotiations can begin only after the US makes commitments on a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of sanctions against Iran.
What the US and Iran want in the Pakistan negotiations:
- Tehran wants a ceasefire in Lebanonwhere Israeli attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants have killed nearly 2,000 people since the fighting began in March. Israel and the US have said the campaign in Lebanon is not part of the Iran-US truce, while Tehran insists it is.
- Iran wants the US to “unfreeze” Iranian assets and end the sanctions that have crippled the economy for years. Washington has indicated it is open to a significant reduction in sanctions, but only in exchange for concessions from Iran on its nuclear and missile programs.
- The Iranian regime wants recognition of its authority in Strait of Hormuzwhere they plan to levy transit fees and control access, which would represent a huge paradigm shift in power relations in the region. The United States wants it open to oil tankers and other types of vessels without any restrictions, including no tolls.
- Iran is expected to apply reparation for the damage sustained during the six-week war. The United States has not commented on this.
- Iran wants to be allowed uranium enrichmentan idea Washington has ruled out and President Donald Trump has insisted is a non-negotiable.
- Both Israel and the US demand ca missile capabilities of Iran to be drastically reduced. Tehran has said its formidable missile arsenal is non-negotiable.
- Iran wants withdrawal of American forces from the region, an end to war on all fronts and a commitment to non-aggression. Trump has vowed to keep military forces in the Middle East until a peace deal is reached and warned of a major escalation of fighting if it is not followed.
