Four Key Issues to be Discussed in US-Iran Talks in Islamabad
March 12, Kathmandu – Pakistan is set to host war-torn America and Iran for talks on Saturday, bringing them together at the negotiating table in Islamabad. After US President Donald Trump, who had previously threatened to destroy Iranian civilization, proposed a new plan through Pakistan’s mediation that convinced Iran to agree to a two-week ceasefire, negotiations have yet to resolve all outstanding issues. Trump stated on the social media platform Truth that a 10-point proposal had been received from Iran, which he described as a “practical basis for negotiations.” On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported receiving a 15-point proposal from the US side.
Vice President JD Vance has been entrusted with leading the US delegation during the talks starting today in Islamabad, along with President Trump’s special envoys Steve Whitcraft and Jared Kushner, who have already arrived in Islamabad on Saturday. Pakistan has strengthened security arrangements for the negotiators and the venue, assuring both parties of a safe environment.
What outcomes are expected? Top US negotiators remain optimistic about reaching an agreement. They believe these talks will end hostilities and lead to a resolution. While official proposals from both sides have not yet been publicly disclosed, informal versions have circulated. However, skepticism persists within the international community. Anwar Gargash, senior diplomatic advisor to the President of the UAE, noted that many facts remain unclear. “Conflicting statements are coming from Iran, the US, and Pakistan,” he said. “We need to reconcile these statements and identify a suitable path forward.”
The Islamabad talks will focus mainly on four key issues, which are drawing significant attention from the global community. The US has consistently accused Iran of accelerating its nuclear weapons program, a primary cause of the ongoing conflict. Iran has repeatedly denied these allegations. According to US officials, the recent 12-day conflict and the US-Israel strike caused substantial damage to Iran’s nuclear program. The US claims that restoring Iran’s nuclear capabilities will take considerable time. There remains doubt about the future of approximately 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium believed to be in Iran’s possession. Last year’s US attack on the nuclear research center in Isfahan is thought to have reduced that uranium to fragmented residues. On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that “the uranium was safely stored by deep burial for 24 hours. Iran currently does not possess nuclear weapons, and this operation was successfully completed.”