Iran

Iran, United States, and Pakistan united in undisclosed discussions. Behind a very controlled staging, negotiations are developing and could mark a major diplomatic turning point, between the Iranian financial thaw and strategic issues around the Strait of Hormuz.

Communication is locked down and staging is carefully done. Faced with the Pakistani Prime Minister, the smile of the American Vice President. Long embrace for the President of the Iranian Parliament. Pakistan is mediating for what could be historic negotiations. On television, Iran shows its ambitions. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, declares: “A fierce battle is underway on the diplomatic front. We hope to emerge from this trial with honor.”

For hours on April 11, there were few to no images, except for the capital patrolled by security forces. Shops are closed, employees have two days of forced leave. Then, suddenly, the talks commence. As our special envoy on site, Angelique Forget, tells us: “Very concretely, today, the Pakistani organizers received both Iranians and Americans in the same room. This was completely unexpected. It was long believed that they would refuse to meet. It is even one of the first victories of this summit.”

Who is participating in the discussions between the two camps? Mystery. One thing is for sure, the President of the Iranian Parliament came with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Supreme Leader is not present, but is reportedly consulted via audio conference. On the American side, the Vice President leads the negotiations, but Donald Trump’s son-in-law is never far away. The Iranians are pushing for the release of their financial assets: 100 billion euros frozen abroad. The United States, on the other hand, want to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the Iranians, two negotiation sessions have taken place. A third one could occur on April 11 or 12.