Inside the First Day of U.S.-Iran Peace Talks: Key Developments and Stakes

U.S.-Iran peace talks: Opening Moves in Islamabad

The first day of U.S.-Iran peace talks kicked off Saturday in Islamabad, as both sides scrambled to shape a cease‑fire that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint handling roughly 20% of global oil shipments. President Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States was “clearing out” the strait, framing the move as a favor to China, Japan, South Korea and European allies. American officials denied Iranian claims that a U.S. warship turned back after a warning, while CENTCOM announced that the USS Michael Murphy and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. had transited the waterway as part of a mine‑clearance effort.

“We began establishing a new passage and will share it with the maritime industry soon,” Admiral Brad Cooper told reporters.

Iranian state media said two rounds of negotiations were completed and a third would follow that evening. The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President J.D. Vance and flanked by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, faced Tehran’s 70‑person team headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran’s 10‑point proposal calls for the release of frozen assets, a lift of all sanctions, continued control of the strait and the right to enrich uranium for peaceful use. Washington’s 15‑point counter‑plan seeks to curb Iran’s military and nuclear programmes while guaranteeing the strait’s reopening. Casualty counts continue to climb: ↓ 1,701 civilians reported dead in Iran, including ↓ 254 children, according to HRANA. Lebanon’s health ministry cites over 2,020 deaths from Israeli strikes. For a broader view, see Reuters.

Analysis by: Vance Sterling

Crisis & Global Conflict Director