US and Iran Hold Face-to-Face Negotiations in Pakistan: Here Are the 7 Points Discussed
The United States and Iran held face-to-face trilateral talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday (11 April 2026). High-ranking officials from both countries gathered to attempt to end the war in the Middle East.
Citing AFP, a senior White House official stated that the three parties conducted direct in-person discussions, differing from recent practices where Washington and Tehran only negotiated through intermediaries while sitting in separate rooms.
The US delegation included Vice President JD Vance, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, according to the White House. The White House did not specify who from the Iranian or Pakistani sides participated.
The following are the main issues expected to be discussed by both parties:
-Iran wants a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants have killed nearly 2,000 people since the fighting began in March. Israel and the US say the Lebanon campaign is not part of the Iran-US ceasefire, while Tehran insists it is.
-Iran wants the US to unblock its frozen assets and end sanctions that have crippled its economy for years. Washington has indicated it is open to significant sanctions relief, but only in exchange for concessions from Iran regarding its nuclear programme and missile capabilities.
-Iran wants recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, where it aims to collect transit fees and control access, which would represent a major shift in regional power. The US wants the strait open to oil tankers and other traffic without any restrictions, including tolls.
-Iran is expected to demand compensation for all damages during the six-week war. The US has not commented on this.
-Iran wants to be allowed to enrich uranium, which has been rejected by Washington, and President Donald Trump insists it is non-negotiable.
-Israel and the US both want Iran’s missile capabilities drastically reduced. Tehran says its robust missile arsenal is non-negotiable.
-Iran wants the withdrawal of US combat troops from the region, an end to the war on all fronts, and a commitment to no aggression. Trump has pledged to maintain military assets in the Middle East until a peace deal is reached and warned of escalated major combat if Iran fails to comply.
The meeting took place at a luxury hotel, the Serena, one of the most heavily guarded buildings in Islamabad. The location is considered an unusual choice for such important talks, especially since the worst armed attack in Islamabad occurred in 2008 at the nearby Marriott Hotel.
However, the Serena’s beautiful surroundings and Moorish architecture conceal what security officials describe as a well-organised security setup. They and a former police chief point to its strategic location near the diplomatic enclave and years of safeguarding important guests.
“The security staff are well-trained because most of them are retired security officers,” said Tahir Alam Khan, former Islamabad police chief.
“Entry and exit points are at a sufficient distance from the main complex, which enhances its security. And the most important factor is its easy access from key places, like the prime minister’s house and Parliament House,” he added.
A government source said the 6-hectare (15-acre) hotel grounds—which include over 400 rooms, several banquet halls, conference rooms, and an office complex—can accommodate hundreds of guests, ideal for the US and Iranian delegations, which consist of more than 150 people.
“The hotel has layered and strict security checks… Finally, the hotel has strong coordination with state security agencies,” said Kaleem Imam, former police chief.