Published on April 9, 2026 at 21:55
Islamabad, Americans and Iranians are preparing to resume crucial negotiations for peace in the Middle East. With a fragile ceasefire, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, and major nuclear disagreements, the discussions are expected to be particularly delicate.
A few hours before crucial peace negotiations in the Middle East, security measures were strengthened in Islamabad, Pakistan. The talks are set to take place at a hotel in the Pakistani capital, where the final preparations are underway.
Over the weekend, under the leadership of the Pakistani Prime Minister, an American delegation composed of Vice President J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff will face Iranian negotiators, likely led by Mohammad Ghalibaf. However, the new strongman of the Islamic Republic conditions his participation in the negotiations on the cessation of Israeli strikes in Lebanon. On X, he stated: “Lebanon and all allies of Iran are an inseparable part of the ceasefire. Any violation of the ceasefire will result in significant blows and strong retaliation.”
The discussions, hanging by a thread, promise to be extremely difficult if they take place. Among the ten points of the peace plan to be negotiated, two are crucial: first, the issue of uranium enrichment, which Tehran would like to continue but the United States refuses. And second, the issue of the Strait of Hormuz.
In the last 36 hours, despite the ceasefire, only six ships have transited through the area. Twenty thousand sailors and several hundred boats are still blocked there. We spoke to the captain of one of them: “Since the ceasefire was announced, the situation has improved slightly. The crew is more relieved, but there is still stress. You know, with Trump saying something different every day, there is a lot of uncertainty,” said Raman Kapoor, an Indian captain.
The key to unlocking the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could come down to money. Iran has already charged over a million and a half euros to certain ships passing through the area and is considering making this rule systematic. A maritime toll, contrary to international law, but an idea that Donald Trump said he could accept, in exchange for a share of the riches.
