The Middle East has been hit with whiplash in recent days as Iran's foreign minister confirmed the Strait of Hormuz had opened to traffic, only for a military spokesman to say it was closed again the next day.
A power struggle is underway in the Islamic Republic, with a vacuum at the top following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The regime's wartime cohesion has begun to fray, with different groups vying for control and influence.
Iran's internal tensions were on full display during the first set of talks in Islamabad, with a delegation of 80 Iranians, including seasoned diplomats and firebrands, arguing over the terms of a potential deal.
The existence of a class of generals-turned-sanction-busters has also muddied the waters, with different groups having different views on key sticking-points in the talks.
As the situation continues to unfold, the question remains: who exactly will the American delegation be talking to if negotiations resume?
