US Team Makes Low Expectations Visit to Pakistan to Hold Iran talks.
A United States team led by Vice President JD Vance has left for Pakistan to take part in important talks with Iran. The meetings will be held in Islamabad on the weekend.
However, both sides are not very hopeful about the outcome. The US and Iran have already made allegations about the promises made to one another that the parties fail to keep even prior to the start of the talks.
The situation is still strained and most analysts think that these negotiations might be a challenge at the outset.
Conflicts Before the Negotiations.
The two countries are also experiencing severe differences even prior to their arrival in Pakistan. US officials have indicated that they are not sure that the negotiations can address key problems such as opening up the Strait of Hormuz immediately.
Iran, on the other hand, has made good conditions. According to the Iranian leaders, the discussions cannot proceed unless:
Iran is un-sanctioned.
Iranian frozen assets are released
Attacks in Lebanon are included in the ceasefire
Due to these conditions, it is unclear whether the negotiations will start at all.
This meeting is extremely significant as it is one of the top-level discussions between the US and Iran in recent years. Since 1979, the relations between the two countries have been strained.
In the meantime, there is high security in Islamabad. To provide security in the talks, thousands of police and army are on the ground.
Global Effect and Increasing Pressure.
The US and Iran have already created significant issues in the world due to the conflict between them. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the largest problems, and a major oil supply pathway in the world.
Due to the war:
The supply of oil has been impacted.
Prices have increased
The world markets are volatile.
It is feared to be inflationary and slowing down economically.
Although Iran has been a victim in the war, it can still interfere with shipping and influence the neighboring nations.
The US too is feeling the heat. President Donald Trump would like to lower the tensions prior to the following elections. He had previously declared the ceasefire, and had threatened severe consequences to Iran in case of further fighting.
Within the White House, there is not much optimism. They reckon that, even in the event that the discussions are successful, it will not be simple to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Issues also exist regarding whether the Iranian team has the prerogative to decide on the talks.
