The United States and Iran have failed to reach a truce agreement following 21 hours of high-level negotiations held in Islamabad.
Speaking after the talks, US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said Tehran declined to accept Washington’s conditions. He described the outcome as unfavorable, particularly for Iran, while emphasizing the US demand for a firm commitment against nuclear weapons development.
According to Vance, the United States insists not only on Iran abandoning any ambition to build nuclear weapons but also on refraining from acquiring the technological capacity to do so. The discussions took place amid a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing tensions involving US and Israeli interests in the region.
Observers say the presence of Vance at the negotiations signaled the seriousness of the US position under President Donald Trump. Despite the breakdown, analysts believe diplomatic engagement may continue through other channels, as both sides maintain strategic interests in resolving key disputes.
Major sticking points in the talks reportedly included Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz and longstanding disagreements surrounding its nuclear programme. These issues have historically complicated negotiations, including those that led to the 2015 nuclear deal during the administration of Barack Obama—an agreement later abandoned by Trump.
Iranian officials downplayed expectations of a swift resolution. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that it was unrealistic to expect a comprehensive agreement in a single session, expressing confidence that diplomatic contacts would continue with regional partners, including Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliamentary speaker and head of its delegation, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Tehran had presented “forward-looking” proposals but criticized Washington for failing to build trust.
Reports indicate that negotiations this time extended beyond nuclear issues to broader concerns such as regional security and economic stability. However, public sentiment in Tehran remains largely skeptical, with many residents doubting the durability of the current ceasefire and the prospects for a lasting agreement.
Despite the setback, diplomatic observers note that such complex negotiations often require sustained engagement, suggesting that future talks may still be possible.
