US-Iran Negotiations: Trump’s Reset and Iranian Preconditions

The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire to facilitate diplomatic negotiations brokered by Pakistan, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The agreement includes the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global oil shipments.

The current diplomatic push follows a period of intense volatility and military conflict. According to reports from Al Jazeera and the Financial Express, the ceasefire was established as part of an effort to move toward a lasting peace, with Pakistan serving as the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran.

Pakistan’s Role and Diplomatic Stance

Pakistan has positioned itself as a neutral facilitator in the current round of talks. RFI reports that the Pakistani government is maintaining an attitude the most equidistant possible to ensure the viability of the negotiations.

This neutral positioning comes as high-level representatives from both sides prepare for meetings on Pakistani soil. The diplomatic effort is characterized by a mixture of optimism from the U.S. Presidency and stern warnings from other members of the American administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump described the current diplomatic movement as the most powerful reset in the world shortly before the commencement of the negotiations in Pakistan.

However, this optimism is tempered by threats from the White House regarding maritime access. Le HuffPost reports that President Trump has shifted his position on tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, issuing threats against Iran regarding the waterway.

Adding to the tension, JD Vance, while en route to the negotiations, called on Iran not to play games with Washington.

Iranian Preconditions for Peace

Tehran has established specific requirements that must be met to achieve a permanent peace agreement. A senior official told Reuters on April 7, 2026, that Iran has set preconditions for talks on a lasting peace with the United States.

According to Libération, the speaker of the Iranian Parliament has explicitly demanded two primary conditions before further negotiations proceed:

• A ceasefire in Lebanon.
• The unblocking of Iranian frozen assets.

Timeline of 2025–2026 Negotiations

The current ceasefire is the latest development in a protracted series of diplomatic and military engagements that began in April 2025. The initial negotiations were triggered by a letter from President Trump to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The diplomatic process has been divided into three distinct rounds:

• Round 1: Occurred from April 12, 2025, to June 13, 2025, at the Al Alam Palace in Muscat, Oman. President Trump had initially set a 60-day deadline for Iran to reach an agreement. After this deadline passed without a resolution, Israel attacked Iran, leading to a broader war.
• Round 2: Took place from February 6, 2026, to February 28, 2026, at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Rome, Italy.
• Round 3: Began on March 30, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, and is currently ongoing.

These negotiations have occurred against a backdrop of significant instability, including the Twelve-Day War and the broader 2026 Iran war. The conflict has been marked by Iranian strikes on British military facilities in Akrotiri and Dhekelia, as well as attacks on targets in Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Key Participants in the Diplomatic Process

The United States delegation has included several high-ranking officials and advisors:

• Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
• Director of Policy Planning Michael Anton
• CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper
• Presidential Advisor Jared Kushner

Representing the Iranian government and leadership are:

• Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi
• Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi
• Supreme National Security Council member Ali Larijani

The ongoing conflict and the current ceasefire are further complicated by internal Iranian pressures, including an economic crisis and protests that occurred throughout 2025 and 2026.