US-Iran Direct Talks Begin in Islamabad as Hormuz Strait Traffic Remains at Bare Minimum Source: https://www.163.com/dy/article/KQ7G9B8R05198NMR.html US and Iranian delegations held their first direct negotiations on April 11 in Islamabad, Pakistan, led by US Vice President Vance. Trump said results would be clear within 24 hours, warning of intensified military action if talks fail. Iran has set two preconditions: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iranian assets. The Strait of Hormuz continues to see traffic at less than 10% of pre-conflict levels, with only 4 vessels passing in the last 24 hours. Lebanon and Israel have agreed to discuss ceasefire arrangements for the first time at the US State Department on April 14.