The two sides remain sharply divided on the management of the Strait of Hormuz, the unfreezing of assets, and the uranium enrichment issue: Iran rejected the US proposal for 'joint control' of the strait, while Trump stated that he 'does not care whether an agreement is reached,' asserting that the strait will 'soon' be opened with or without Iran's cooperation; the US denied agreeing to unfreeze Iranian assets; Iran insisted on retaining its right to uranium enrichment, which the US regards as a 'non-negotiable red line.'
The negotiations between Iran and the United States held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, have reached a deadlock, with sharp differences on three core issues, and the situation in the Middle East remains highly uncertain.
According to reports by Xinhua News Agency citing Tasnim News Agency and Fars News Agency of Iran, on April 12 local time, Iran and the United States completed the third round of talks. Citing informed sources, the report stated that due to the US's "unreasonable excessive demands," the two parties failed to reach an understanding on their differences and are working to draft a new text. The negotiations lasted for 14 hours from the afternoon of April 11 to the early morning of April 12, and at the suggestion of the Pakistani side, the talks were extended for one more day.
According to CCTV International, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei announced in the early morning of April 12 local time that the two sides exchanged substantial information on major topics such as the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear issues, war reparations, lifting sanctions, and ending the conflict. Iran stated it is “doing everything possible to protect its rights and interests,” emphasizing that the success of the diplomatic process depends on the sincerity of the United States, whether the US makes excessive and illegal demands, and whether it accepts Iran’s legitimate rights.
Since April 11, the agenda of the negotiations has been intensive, with discussions lasting into the night. However, sharp differences remain on three core issues: control over the Strait of Hormuz, unfreezing overseas assets, and uranium enrichment.
As the negotiations reached a stalemate, the US military announced the commencement of mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly stated his intention to continue striking Iran and its proxies. Diplomatic maneuvering and military actions are intensifying simultaneously, keeping the market highly vigilant about uncertainties in the Middle East. Trump stated that he "does not care whether an agreement is reached" and claimed that the Strait of Hormuz will "soon" be opened regardless of cooperation with Iran.
Control Over the Strait of Hormuz: The Sharpest Dispute
According to CCTV News citing two informed sources, the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz has become the most contentious topic in this round of negotiations. Iran rejected the US-proposed plan for "joint control" and insisted on retaining control over the strait, asserting its right to collect "tolls" from passing vessels.
US President Trump stated on April 10 that the Strait of Hormuz would "soon" be opened with or without Iran's cooperation. He noted that the Strait of Hormuz is international waters and that he would not allow Iran to impose tolls on passage through the strait.
Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iran's parliament, posted on social media on April 11, stating that permission from Iran is required for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Both Sides Stand Firm on Asset Unfreezing and Uranium Enrichment
The two sides have taken opposing positions on the issue of unfreezing assets. According to CCTV News, a senior Iranian source stated that the United States has agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets held in Qatari and other foreign banks, but U.S. officials quickly denied this claim. The Iranian source indicated that the unfreezing of funds is one of the key conditions Iran has presented to the U.S., with the issue of funds being 'directly tied to' security arrangements for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Another Iranian source mentioned that the U.S. has agreed to unfreeze approximately $6 billion in funds.
On the issue of uranium enrichment, the two sides remain at odds. Trump stated that ensuring Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons is the top priority for the U.S. negotiating delegation, with the White House defining Iran's abandonment of uranium enrichment as a 'non-negotiable red line.' Iran, on the other hand, insists on retaining a certain level of uranium enrichment activities and demands the lifting of related restrictions imposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Outside the negotiating table, military actions continue to escalate pressure.
During the negotiations, military developments off the field have also drawn attention. According to CCTV News, on the 11th Eastern Time, the U.S. Central Command announced that two U.S. Navy missile destroyers traversed the Strait of Hormuz and conducted operations in the Persian Gulf, stating that this move was part of an effort to thoroughly clear mines laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the strait. A spokesperson for Iran's Armed Forces Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters strongly refuted this, asserting that transit rights for any vessel in the Strait of Hormuz are entirely under the control of Iran’s armed forces.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu posted on social media on the evening of the 11th, stating that Israel will 'continue its strikes against the Iranian regime and its proxies' under his leadership. The Israel Defense Forces also stated that within the past 24 hours, the Israeli military had targeted over 200 Hezbollah objectives within Lebanon.
Editor/Lee