The negotiation situation between Iran and the U.S. in Islamabad can be summarized into these key points:

1. The negotiation process has been unpredictable: Initially, the two sides did not even meet face-to-face, with Pakistan acting as an intermediary, and each session lasting 1-2 hours. But later, CCTV reported that both sides are "sitting at the same table" and beginning direct talks.
2. Iran set tough preconditions: Iran proposed non-negotiable demands, including full control of the Strait of Hormuz, unconditional unfreezing of all frozen assets by the U.S., payment of war reparations, and permission for Iran to use civilian nuclear energy.
3. The U.S. flexed muscles while negotiating: On the day negotiations started, several U.S. warships passed through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf without coordination. Trump also posted on social media that he was beginning to clear the Strait of Hormuz and hinted that Iran’s mine-sweeping boats had been sunk.
4. The only "goodwill" has a price: Reuters reported that the U.S. agreed to unfreeze about $6 billion of Iran’s overseas assets, but on the condition of ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz—essentially taking Iran’s own money in exchange for Iran relinquishing control of the shipping lane.
Although negotiations have begun, both sides’ positions are almost diametrically opposed—Iran demands sovereignty and reparations, while the U.S. seeks control of the shipping route. It’s not easy to reach an agreement, but not negotiating risks further escalation toward military conflict. $ZEC