ISLAMABAD: Marathon negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without an agreement on Sunday, after 21 hours of high-stakes diplomacy. Washington stated that the talks collapsed because Tehran refused to provide a definitive commitment to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons. This failure has cast a dark shadow over the fragile two-week ceasefire currently in place in the Middle East.
US Vice President JD Vance, leading the American delegation, confirmed that the extensive discussions did not produce an “affirmative commitment” from Iran to forgo nuclear weapons or the capabilities required to develop them. Vance emphasized that ensuring Iran never acquires nuclear weaponry remains a core objective for President Donald Trump. Despite presenting what Washington described as its “final and best offer,” the talks reached a dead end.
Iran, however, rejected the US demands as “unreasonable.” State-run media in Tehran claimed that progress was blocked by Washington’s rigid stance on nuclear restrictions and broader regional issues. Iranian officials pointed to the deep mistrust following weeks of active conflict, arguing that a breakthrough in a single round of talks was unrealistic. Tehran also stood firm on its “red lines,” which include the lifting of sanctions, wartime compensation, and immediate limits on Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Tensions were further exacerbated during the summit by disputes over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran disputed the US claim that its destroyers transited the vital waterway for mine-clearing operations. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Lebanon complicated matters, as Israel continues to rule out a ceasefire with Hezbollah. While Pakistani mediators have urged both sides to uphold the existing truce to avoid further escalation, the risk of renewed hostilities remains high as the diplomatic mission is now being viewed as a historic failure.
With input from Gulf News.
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