The five big sticking points in US-Iran talks
The five big sticking points in US-Iran talks
Pakistan’s Role in the Talks
The setup is complete, security is established, and the road leading to the venue has been freshly marked with yellow and black stripes. Islamabad is now the stage for pivotal US-Iran discussions. Pakistani officials, acting as intermediaries for critical US-Iran talks, are expressing cautious optimism, highlighting their dual trust from both parties.
“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith,” said Vice President JD Vance before departing the US, “we’re prepared to offer our hand.” Yet he also warned, “Should they attempt to manipulate us, the team will not be easily swayed.”
Israel’s Actions and the Hezbollah Conflict
One major hurdle lies in Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hezbollah, its Lebanese partner. Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, tweeted, “The continuation of these actions will render negotiations meaningless. Our fingers remain on the trigger. Iran will never abandon its Lebanese sisters and brothers.”
Despite Israel’s repeated calls for residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate, the attacks on Hezbollah have not ceased. Trump suggested that Israel’s efforts will soon be “a little more low key,” while the US State Department plans to host direct talks between Israel and Lebanon next week. Whether this shift will ease Iran’s concerns remains uncertain.
The Strait of Hormuz Controversy
A critical factor threatening to halt negotiations at the outset is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transport route. Trump criticized Iran, stating, “Iran is doing a very poor job” of allowing ships through the strait, despite earlier promises.
He declared in a Truth Social post, “This is not the agreement we have!” accusing Tehran of being “dishonourable.” The passage has become a chokehold for maritime traffic, with few vessels navigating it. Hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf. Iran aims to solidify its control, asserting sovereignty over the waterway and proposing new regulations for transit.
Nuclear Dispute as the Core Issue
The most persistent and significant dispute centers on nuclear capabilities. Trump launched Operation Epic Fury, partly to ensure Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon.” Iran counters by claiming it has never sought to build a bomb, though Western governments remain skeptical of this assertion.
Iran’s 10-point proposal, which Trump called “a workable basis on which to negotiate,” includes demands for international acknowledgment of its enrichment rights. Meanwhile, Trump’s own 15-point plan reportedly requires Iran to “end all uranium enrichment on Iranian soil.” Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, when questioned, stated, “Iran would never have had a nuclear weapon or the capability to get a path to one.”
Regional Alliances and the Axis of Resistance
Iran’s strategic alliances with regional groups and proxies, including Hezbollah and the Houthis, have bolstered its regional influence, enabling “forward defence” strategies in conflicts with Israel and the US. Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, the “Axis of Resistance” has faced relentless attacks.
Parts of this network, such as the former Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad, have been eliminated. Israel, however, refers to the same coalition as the “Axis of Evil,” viewing it as a persistent threat. The presence of these alliances complicates diplomatic efforts, as Tehran’s regional clout remains a key point of contention.
