US Former Envoys Say Conflict Strengthens Iran's Negotiating Position on Nuclear Program

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:58:00 +0200

Former U.S. envoys involved in negotiating the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have expressed concern that the recent U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran and Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz have strengthened Iran's negotiating position. The closure of this strategic waterway provides Iran with a significant economic leverage point, which experts say could reduce the perceived urgency of its nuclear program while enhancing its ability to counterbalance U.S. power. Alan Eyre, a former diplomat, highlighted that the current U.S. administration cannot easily revert to the pre-war status, noting that Iran now possesses a powerful and easily deployable strategic tool. Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions are set to resume in Islamabad, Pakistan, with U.S. and Iranian delegations negotiating under complex circumstances. Observers warn that the Trump administration’s broader demands, including restrictions on ballistic missiles and support for regional proxies, complicate the prospect of a