What are the main talking points at the US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan?

Top US and Iranian officials gathered in the
Pakistani capital Islamabad today (11 April) to hold talks that seek to end
their war in the Middle East that has killed thousands, roiled energy supplies
and hurt the global economy.
Here are the key issues the two sides are
expected to discuss, with Tehran insisting that formal talks can begin only
after Washington gives commitments on a ceasefire in Lebanon and lifting
sanctions on Iran.
- Iran
wants a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks on Iran-backed
Hezbollah militants have killed nearly 2,000 people since the start of
the fighting in March. Israel and the US have said the Lebanon campaign is
not part of the Iran-US ceasefire while Tehran insists it is.
- Iran
wants the US to unblock Iranian assets and end sanctions that have
crippled its economy for years. Washington has indicated that it is open
to significant sanctions relief but only in exchange for concessions from
Iran on its nuclear and missile programmes.
- Iran
wants acknowledgment of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, where it
aims to collect transit fees and control access in what would amount to a
huge shift in regional power. The US wants it opened for oil tankers and
other traffic without any limitations, including tolls.
- Iran is
expected to demand compensation for all damage during the six-week war.
The US has not commented on this.
- Iran
wants to be allowed to enrich uranium, which Washington has ruled out and
President Donald Trump has insisted is non-negotiable.
- Israel
and the US both want Iran's missile capabilities to be dramatically
curtailed. Tehran has said its formidable missile arsenal is
non-negotiable.
- Iran
wants withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, cessation of war on
all fronts and a commitment to non-aggression. Trump has vowed to retain
military assets in the Middle East until a peace deal is reached and
warned of a major escalation in fighting if it failed to comply.
















