Iran sets terms ahead of high-stakes US talks
Iran sets tough conditions on sanctions and Lebanon as distrust shapes “make-or-break” negotiations with Washington in Islamabad
By Abdullahi Yusuf
An Iranian delegation has held talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, ahead of what both sides have described as “make-or-break” negotiations with the United States, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Iran and a US-Israeli alliance.
The meeting took place in Islamabad, where delegations from both countries have gathered for the first round of discussions, hosted at the Serena Hotel under Pakistani mediation.
Iranian officials have indicated that their participation in the talks is conditional. They insist that any permanent ceasefire must include the lifting of sanctions, particularly the unfreezing of Iranian state assets, and an end to Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Those demands appear to clash directly with the US position. The American delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, has signalled that Lebanon will not form part of the negotiations.
Despite those differences, both sides have proceeded to Islamabad, highlighting the urgency and fragility of the current diplomatic effort.
The Iranian delegation, led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived overnight and was received by Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, a key power broker who has maintained close ties with Washington.
General Munir also welcomed the US delegation, escorting Vice President Vance on arrival. Among those accompanying the American team were US envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, underscoring the political weight attached to the talks.
Even before formal negotiations began, both sides signalled deep mistrust.
“Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises,” Mr Ghalibaf said upon arrival, according to Iranian state media.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, echoed that sentiment, telling his German counterpart that Tehran enters the talks with “complete distrust” following what he described as repeated breaches of commitments by Washington.
Vice President Vance, speaking before departing the United States, struck a more conditional tone, saying Washington was prepared to negotiate, but only if Iran engaged “in good faith”.
The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of a ceasefire that remains under significant strain.
Iran and Pakistan argue that the truce must extend to Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have continued. Washington, however, has not accepted that interpretation, adding another layer of dispute to already complex talks.
A further point of contention is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
US President Donald Trump has demanded that the strait be fully reopened as part of the ceasefire conditions, warning it would be secured “with or without” Iran’s cooperation.
For Washington, the primary objective remains Iran’s nuclear programme. President Trump has said ensuring that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon accounts for “99 percent” of the US negotiating priority.
Pakistan, acting as host, has assembled a team of technical and diplomatic experts to facilitate discussions on sanctions, nuclear issues, and maritime security.
The talks are also being closely monitored by regional and global powers. China, Turkey, and Egypthave all played roles in preliminary mediation efforts, with Beijing in particular viewed as a potential guarantor of any final agreement. Despite the diplomatic activity, expectations remain cautious.
In Tehran, some residents expressed scepticism about the prospects for success, reflecting a broader uncertainty over whether entrenched positions on both sides can be reconciled.
As negotiations begin, the gap between the two parties on sanctions relief, regional conflicts, and strategic control of key waterways, suggests that any breakthrough remains far from assured.
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