Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have reached a stalemate, with disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz emerging as the central obstacle. Negotiations, mediated by Pakistan and attended by senior civilian and military leaders, stretched late into the evening with no clear breakthrough. After an initial round of direct discussions, experts from both sides began exchanging written proposals as tensions fluctuated throughout the day.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for roughly one fifth of global oil shipments, remains the primary sticking point. Iran is seeking to maintain influence over the waterway, while the United States is pressing for it to be fully reopened to international shipping. Iran has also insisted that any agreement address Lebanon, a demand the American delegation has reportedly rejected.

The negotiations follow a fragile two week ceasefire in a seven week war that has killed thousands and unsettled global markets. Iran has outlined red lines including compensation for damage from earlier strikes, the release of frozen assets, and an end to fighting involving its regional allies. Meanwhile, continued strikes in Lebanon and disruptions to global energy supplies have added urgency to the high stakes discussions.