Senior officials from the United States and Iran have begun high-stakes peace talks in Islamabad, marking their most significant diplomatic engagement in decades. The negotiations aim to turn a fragile ceasefire into a long-term agreement after weeks of conflict.
However, major obstacles threaten progress. Iran has set preconditions, including a ceasefire extension to Lebanon, the lifting of economic sanctions, and the unfreezing of its assets. The United States has rejected linking Lebanon to the truce, highlighting deep divisions between the two sides.
Ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon have further complicated the situation, raising doubts about the ceasefire’s stability.
While both sides remain open to dialogue, analysts say conflicting demands over sanctions, regional influence, and control of key routes like the Strait of Hormuz could delay any breakthrough.
