Islamabad: The second day of the ongoing U.S.–Iran summit in Pakistan’s capital has revealed a deeper challenge than decades of hostility between the two nations. According to a report by The New York Times, the biggest obstacle may be a sharp contrast in negotiating approaches, with Iran maintaining rigid consistency while the U.S. position continues to shift.

Iran’s delegation, led by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has held firmly to its long-standing demands. Sources close to the talks at Islamabad’s Serena Hotel Islamabad say Tehran is insisting on a permanent and verifiable ceasefire that includes regional allies such as Hezbollah, the immediate lifting of economic sanctions along with the release of frozen assets, and international recognition of its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.

On the other side, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be sending mixed signals. While Vice President JD Vance has adopted a more measured tone during direct engagements, Trump’s public statements have fluctuated between threats of severe military action and offers of a comprehensive deal. Analysts suggest this inconsistency is complicating efforts to draft a mutually acceptable agreement.

A key point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The United States is pushing for its immediate and unconditional reopening, while Iran has proposed imposing transit fees on certain vessels and requiring payments in its local currency, a move Washington has strongly rejected.

Amid these tensions, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continues to play a central mediating role, hosting extended negotiation sessions that have stretched beyond nine hours. However, ongoing regional developments, particularly Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Iran’s insistence on linking any agreement to a ceasefire there, have added further complexity to the discussions.

With technical teams working through the night, the summit remains at a critical juncture. Diplomats acknowledge that bridging the gap between Iran’s fixed demands and Washington’s evolving stance will be key to determining whether these talks produce a breakthrough or deepen the stalemate.