Iran-US talks shift focus toward enrichment, Strait of Hormuz leverage

Officials and analysts say the next round of negotiations, expected to take place in Islamabad, will increasingly shift focus away from Iran’s missile programme and regional proxy networks toward limits on uranium enrichment and Tehran’s leverage over strategic energy routes.

According to Gulf sources, cited by Reuters, U.S.–Iran diplomacy is now centered less on rolling back Iran’s missile capabilities and more on setting boundaries for uranium enrichment levels, alongside what they describe as a tacit acknowledgment of Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz—a critical shipping route handling around one-fifth of global oil supplies.

While negotiations remain stalled over enrichment issues, with Iran rejecting both a “zero enrichment” policy and demands to transfer its uranium stockpiles abroad, Gulf officials say the change in negotiating priorities is itself a cause for concern.

“At the end of the day, Hormuz will be the red line,” one Gulf source close to government circles said. “It wasn’t an issue before. It is now. The goal posts have moved.”

Regional representatives warn that the evolving diplomatic framework could enhance Iran’s influence over Middle Eastern energy flows, potentially sidelining smaller states from key decision-making processes.

Earlier, Axios reported that Iran’s delegation received approval from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei late on April 20 to proceed with the upcoming talks.

By Sabina Mammadli