The third round of US-Iran negotiations has ended with deep disagreements remaining, with the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues becoming key bargaining points.

ME News Report, April 12 (UTC+8), local time April 12, Iran and the United States’ third round of negotiations in Islamabad has concluded. Iran described this round of talks as the “last chance” to reach a framework agreement. Since the 11th, the negotiations have been intense, with discussions lasting late into the night. Both sides are seizing the temporary ceasefire window to intensify their bargaining, but there are sharp disagreements on three core issues: control of the Strait of Hormuz, the thawing of overseas assets, and uranium enrichment. Sources familiar with the matter say that due to the U.S. side’s “sky-high demands,” no substantial progress has been made since the negotiations in Islamabad began. They also pointed out that some Western media, aiming to influence international energy prices, are exaggerating the “positive atmosphere” of the negotiations. The fourth round of talks between Iran and the U.S. will continue on Sunday.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagheri announced early this morning local time the progress of negotiations with the U.S. in Islamabad, Pakistan. According to his briefing, the negotiations under Pakistani mediation started on the morning of April 11 and are still ongoing. Both sides exchanged a large amount of information, with Iranian negotiators “doing their utmost to safeguard Iran’s interests.” The briefing stated that Iran and the U.S. discussed various major negotiation topics, including the Strait of Hormuz issue, nuclear issues, war reparations, sanctions relief, and the complete end of wars against Iran and the Middle East. The briefing emphasized that whether this diplomatic process succeeds depends on the U.S. sincerity, whether the U.S. makes excessive and illegal demands, and whether it accepts Iran’s legitimate rights.

Outside the negotiation table, the U.S. military announced it is conducting mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel’s Prime Minister claimed he will continue to strike Iran and its proxies. With the ceasefire window closing, diplomatic negotiations and military actions are intensifying simultaneously. The Middle East situation stands at the crossroads of war and peace. (Source: BlockBeats)