The United States and Iran are set to engage in tense talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, for the first time since President Trump threatened to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, but the terms of the deal have been disputed since then. Experts suggest that a more realistic hope is a stabilization that would allow continued deescalation of hostilities. The talks, which will take place in the Pakistani city of Islamabad, are expected to provide a welcome injection of calm after a period of uncertainty. The Iranian delegation leader, Mohammad Ghalibaf, has stated that a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets must be resolved before negotiations begin. The remaining issues, including sanctions on Iran, remain outstanding.