Iran sets preconditions for talks with the US ahead of peace negotiations

Iran on 10 April warned that peace talks with the United States to end the war cannot begin unless Israel halts its attacks on Lebanon and the US ends freezing Iran’s assets. The ultimatum was issued by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf after a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance boarded a plane to Islamabad, Pakistan to negotiate with Iranian officials, according to CNBC.

“Two of the items that had been agreed between the sides have not been implemented. They are a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s frozen assets, both must be implemented before talks begin,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.

Delegations in Islamabad

The Iranian delegation to Islamabad, led by Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, includes about 70 members, covering security, economic, political experts, journalists and support staff, highlighting the sensitivity of the negotiations. Reuters, citing Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, said the delegation landed in Islamabad on 10 April local time.

Upon arrival, Ghalibaf said Tehran is willing to reach a settlement but has no trust in the US. He said Iran is ready to reach an agreement if Washington presents a credible proposal that guarantees Iran’s rights and interests.

US position and expectations

US Vice President Vance said he expected the talks to be “positive” and warned Iran not to “jerk us around.” He also said the US wants to negotiate in good faith, adding that if Iran tries to “mock” the US, it will see that the negotiating team is not welcoming.

Vance’s remarks came after the White House said the US delegation also includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Hormuz reopening remains fragile

Analysts said Iran’s conditions make the ceasefire announced on 7 April more fragile, and that the US has shown no signs of concessions.

On 10 April, US President Donald Trump expressed impatience with Iran’s blocking of shipping through the Hormuz Strait, a key artery for global oil transport through which as much as 20% of global oil passes before the current conflict.

Trump had announced on 7 April a two-week delay in an attack on Iran to secure Iran reopening the Hormuz Strait. However, three days after the ceasefire was announced, traffic through Hormuz remained well below normal. Most ships through Hormuz on Friday were Iranian-related, according to voyage data.

In a Truth Social post on 9 April, Trump said Iran is charging tolls for ships through Hormuz and should stop. On 10 April, he continued to criticize Iran for pressuring the world by blocking Hormuz, saying on Truth Social that Iran “seems to realize they have no cards left.”

Israel-Lebanon developments

Alongside the US-Iran talks, Israel’s attacks on Lebanon remained a key point of contention. Israel’s ambassador to the US and Lebanon’s counterpart are scheduled to negotiate in Washington next Tuesday, according to officials from both sides.

Israel and the US maintain that Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon is not part of the US-Iran ceasefire. On 10 April, Israel continued attacks in southern Lebanon.

Hard-line stance from Iran’s leadership

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei also took a hard line ahead of the talks mediated by Pakistan. On 9 April, he said: “We will not let those who attacked our country go unpunished.”

Overall, the developments point to the fragility of the Hormuz reopening and the broader geopolitical risk surrounding the US-Iran peace process.