Factbox-What are the main talking points at the US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan?

Diplomatic representatives from the United States and Iran are engaged in indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan in Islamabad, with talks focusing on de-escalating regional tensions and reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The discussions, which began this week, are a critical attempt to address a multi-faceted stalemate that has contributed to instability across the Middle East. The primary venue for these talks is Pakistan's capital, acting as a neutral intermediary to facilitate dialogue between the two long-standing adversaries. The core agenda is dominated by two interconnected issues: the future of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, and the ongoing proxy conflicts in the region. US negotiators are pushing for stricter, longer-term limits on Iran's nuclear program and its ballistic missile development. Concurrently, they are demanding a cessation of Iranian support for militia groups in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. Iran's delegation, in turn, is seeking a full and verifiable lifting of US economic sanctions, which have crippled its economy, and guarantees against future US withdrawal from any renewed agreement. The economic dimension of these talks is paramount. For Iran, the removal of sanctions is essential to access frozen assets, resume oil exports, and reintegrate into the global financial system. For the United States and its allies, a functioning nuclear agreement is viewed as the most viable pathway to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and stabilize global energy markets. The success of these Pakistan-mediated talks remains uncertain, hinging on whether both sides can bridge significant gaps on security assurances and verification mechanisms. The outcome will have profound implications for non-proliferation efforts and the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.