Iranian state media, citing informed sources, reported that technical teams from the Iranian and American delegations have exchanged written drafts on key issues under negotiation. This development follows the conclusion of in-person discussions during the current round of talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, expert teams from both sides completed several hours of direct negotiations on Saturday afternoon in the Pakistani capital. The discussions have progressed beyond preliminary dialogue into detailed technical exchanges across multiple files.
US Obstruction and Escalating Demands
Meanwhile, Tasnim News Agency reported that just as negotiations reached the stage of exchanging draft frameworks, the US delegation disrupted momentum by introducing what were described as excessive and familiar demands.
Consultations remain ongoing, with Iran maintaining a firm position on safeguarding its military achievements and asserting the necessity of securing the rights of the Iranian people. One of the most contentious issues remains the Strait of Hormuz, which has emerged as a major point of dispute between the two sides.
A source cited by Fars News Agency stated that Washington’s demands regarding the strategic waterway are “excessive and unreasonable”. The same source added that the United States appears to be attempting to secure through negotiations what it failed to achieve during weeks of military pressure and escalation, including maritime security operations and economic measures.
Beyond the Strait of Hormuz, additional US proposals were described as unacceptable across several negotiation tracks. The Iranian delegation, according to the source, remains committed to protecting the gains achieved on the ground.
Multiple Rounds of Talks Continue
Iranian state television confirmed that two rounds of negotiations have already taken place in recent hours, with a third round scheduled for later tonight. It also noted that the US continues to follow a negotiation approach centred on maximalist demands.
Earlier reports indicated that expert delegations and specialised committees had moved into the main negotiation chamber, signalling the transition into deeper technical discussions. Previous rounds had already advanced beyond general frameworks into detailed deliberations.
Experts from both sides have reviewed specific technical aspects of several key issues, reflecting a shift towards more structured and substantive negotiations.
Core Red Lines and Conditional Progress
These negotiations are taking place amid a deep lack of trust from the Iranian side towards Washington. Tehran has set clear red lines, particularly regarding the release of its frozen financial assets and the implementation of a comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts.
Following a meeting that lasted over two hours before a break, Mehr News Agency reported that the US had agreed to release Iranian frozen assets, marking a potential point of progress within an otherwise tense negotiation environment.
A Fundamentally Different Round
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, described the current round of talks as fundamentally different from previous ones. Speaking from Islamabad, he pointed to what he characterised as American dishonesty and repeated breaches of negotiation commitments.
He emphasised that this phase is no longer limited to dialogue and negotiation, but has evolved into a stage of asserting demands and defending national positions.
