Iran-US talks in Islamabad: Trump promises to clear the Strait of Hormuz
12.04.2026In the Pakistani capital, surrounded by a tight security ring, journalists await every word. Here they are bridging the chasm of long-standing hostility. For the first time since the Islamic revolution, Americans and Iranians are sitting at the negotiating table – not directly, but through intermediaries. Meanwhile, Trump is promising on social media to “clean up” the Strait of Hormuz. The world is holding its breath: is this the beginning of peace, or just a respite before a new escalation?
Donald Trump, photographed on Friday
Islamabad has become the epicenter of a diplomatic maelstrom. The White House and Tehran, decades of bitter enemies, are now exchanging offers through Pakistani intermediaries. These three-way talks began on April 13, a historic moment, our correspondent writes. US Vice President J.D. Vance arrived at the Serena Hotel, where he met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibghaf arrived from Iran. Security is tight, information is leaking out in trickles, but the fact of direct contact has been confirmed.1
Timeline of events: from the strike on Iran to the Pakistani miracle
It all started on February 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Tehran responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery through which 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes. The mine laid by Iran paralyzed shipping. Global oil prices soared, and fertilizer prices rose – a third of the world’s supplies pass through the strait.2 Trump declared on Truth Social: "Iran is going to lose big. Their navy and air force are destroyed."
On April 7, Pakistan announced a conditional two-week ceasefire. Iran agreed to halt its bombing if the United States cleared the strait of mines. Today, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and USS Michael Murphy had sailed through the strait, beginning mine clearance. Admiral Brad Cooper promised “safe passage for commercial shipping.”3
In Islamabad, the delegations first met separately with Sharif. Vance, along with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, discussed “constructive dialogue.” The Iranians demanded the release of $120 billion in frozen assets. Pakistan, rarely at the center of world diplomacy, became a bridgehead—its “Islamabad Talks” were decorated with billboards bearing the flags of the three countries.
Trump on social media: rhetoric of power or diplomatic pressure?
While diplomats whisper in closed rooms, Donald Trump plays to the public. “We are cleaning the Strait of Hormuz as a service to the world. Empty tankers rush to the US for our ‘sweetest’ oil,” he writes. Fact check: The US is indeed the leader in production – 13–21 million barrels per day, ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia. American shale oil is light, ideal for gasoline. Exports – 4 million barrels per day, reserves – 400 million for 19 days.4 But the statement about "more than the next two combined" is an exaggeration.
Trump monitors fertilizer prices: "We will not tolerate monopolies!" The conflict has cut off supplies of urea and potash salts - key to global agriculture. The UN records a collapse in exports through the strait. His posts are not just bragging, but a signal to Tehran: the US is in control of the situation.
Key obstacles: from sanctions to the “axis of resistance”
The talks are stalling on several fronts. First: sanctions. Iran is demanding the lifting of all restrictions and the release of $120 billion. Tehran has suffered for decades, its economy is in crisis. But Trump will not give in without guarantees.5
Second: Lebanon. Israel hits 200 Hezbollah targets in 24 hours. Lebanese Health Ministry: 2020 dead since March 2, 6436 wounded. Latest raid in Tuffahta – 8 dead. Tehran calls it a ceasefire violation, Israel dismisses: “Lebanon is not in the deal.” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun calls for ceasefire, Netanyahu promises talks in Washington on April 15.6
Third: Iran's regional allies. Hezbollah, Houthis, Hamas, Iraqi militias - the "axis of resistance". Israel demands their defeat. Bashar Assad has been overthrown, but Tehran will not hand over a proxy. Iranians are tired of "adventures" abroad - they want investments at home.
Lebanon on fire: 2000 dead and strikes on Hezbollah
While Islamabad haggles, Lebanon bleeds. Israeli airstrikes in the south: smoke over Tyre and the Tyres. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) support ground forces, destroy launchers. Hezbollah shows force in Beirut - thousands on the streets. The BBC's Beirut correspondent records the tension.7 Kuwait reassures: the sky is clear, there are no threats.
Deaths in Lebanon: 357 in one bombing, thousands displaced. Iranian expatriates interviewed by correspondents fear tougher leaders in Tehran after January's bloody crackdown on protests.
Pakistan's role: an unexpected peacemaker
Islamabad in the "red zone" - journalists from all over the world in the convention center. Sharif hopes for "lasting peace." Pakistan has been convincing the parties: first separate meetings, now trilateral. This is the culmination of efforts - from indirect to direct. Analysts note: if a ceasefire works out, Pakistan will go down in history.8
Global stakes: oil, fertilizers, economy
Strait of Hormuz – 20% of the world's oil. The blockade has raised prices, hit Europe and Asia. The US exports 20% of its needs to Britain. Trump calls tankers: "Come get our oil!" Opening the strait is the key to success. CENTCOM is already operating.
Fertilizers: a third through the strait. War breaks chains, farmers panic. Trump warns monopolies. Iranian assets: $120 billion - a lifeline for an economy destroyed by sanctions.
Prospects: peace or illusion?
Success depends on perceptions. For the world, stable energy prices. For the Iranians, the end of sanctions, but fear of the regime. Israel will not stop as long as Hezbollah is alive. Negotiations are a chance to extend the ceasefire, but distrust runs deep. If Vance and Ghalibhaf find common ground, it will turn the Middle East upside down. The world is watching.
Sources
- BBC News: Live Reporting on Islamabad Talks, April 13.
- Reuters: Images and Updates from Pakistan Meetings.
- CENTCOM Statement on X: Strait of Hormuz Clearance, April 13.
- Enerdata: US Oil Production Statistics.
- Paul Adams, BBC Diplomatic Correspondent: Sticking Points Analysis.
- Lebanon Ministry of Health: Death Toll Update.
- BBC Video: Hugo Bachega in Beirut.
- Azadeh Moshiri, BBC South Asia: Historic Significance.
