The United States and Iran have failed to reach an agreement after 21 hours of intensive negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, underscoring deep divisions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns.
Speaking after the talks, US Vice President JD Vance said Iran declined to accept Washington’s proposed terms, describing the outcome as more detrimental to Tehran than to Washington.
“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America,” Vance said.
He stated that the US is seeking what he described as a “fundamental commitment” from Iran not only to refrain from developing nuclear weapons but also to avoid acquiring the capabilities that would enable it to quickly build one.
“We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon,” he added.
According to Al Jazeera, Vance’s departure from Islamabad does not necessarily signal the end of negotiations. Diplomatic contacts between the two sides are expected to continue, possibly through remote channels.
Key sticking points reportedly include control of the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic maritime chokepoint — and longstanding disagreements over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Washington is insisting on broader guarantees than in previous frameworks, demanding not just a pledge against weaponization but also restrictions on the technical infrastructure that could facilitate it.
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Similar gaps in expectations prolonged negotiations during the mid-2010s, when earlier diplomatic efforts took years to conclude.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that it had not anticipated a breakthrough in a single round of talks.
“Naturally, from the beginning, we should not have expected to reach an agreement in a single session. No one had such an expectation,” said Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the ministry.
Baghaei expressed confidence that diplomatic engagements, including contacts with Pakistan and other regional allies, would continue. However, Iranian officials refrained from disclosing technical details or specific contentious points discussed during the meeting.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, called on both parties to uphold the ceasefire and pursue sustained dialogue aimed at regional stability.
“On behalf of Pakistan, I would like to express gratitude to the two sides for appreciating Pakistan’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire and its mediator role,” Dar said.
“We hope that the two sides continue with a positive spirit to achieve durable peace and prosperity for the entire region and beyond.”
The breakdown in talks comes against the backdrop of escalating hostilities. The US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, triggering a conflict that has further destabilised the Middle East.
The war has reportedly resulted in more than 2,000 deaths and widespread damage to both military and civilian infrastructure. The hostilities erupted despite several prior rounds of negotiations, with mediators previously suggesting that a deal had been within reach.
While the latest round of talks ended without a formal agreement, diplomatic observers say the continuation of discussions — even indirectly — may offer a narrow window for de-escalation in an increasingly volatile region.