Negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad concluded without a breakthrough on Middle East peace, prompting Pakistan to appeal for a continued ceasefire.
US Delegation Reports Impasse
US Vice President J.D. Vance departed Islamabad on Sunday following unsuccessful talks with an Iranian delegation regarding peace in the Middle East. After 21 hours of negotiations, no agreement was reached.
Vance stated that the lack of agreement was “a bad sign for Iran more than for the United States,” adding that the US clearly defined its “red lines,” which Iran did not accept.
Key Issue: Iran’s Nuclear Program
According to the US delegation, Iran’s nuclear program remains the central point of contention. Vance emphasized the need for a “firm commitment” from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons or the means to quickly acquire them, stating the US presented Iran with its “final and best offer.”
Iranian Perspective: Disagreements on Two Key Issues
Iran confirmed the failure of the negotiations, with Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Bagaei stating that while agreement was reached on many points, disagreements on two important issues blocked a final deal.
Bagaei noted the talks took place in an atmosphere of mutual distrust, making an agreement in a single session unrealistic, and that contacts and consultations between Iran, Pakistan, and other regional allies would continue.
Differing Accounts of Failure
Iranian media attribute the failure to excessive demands from the US side. Tasnim News Agency reported that disagreements centered on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program, while Press TV echoed this sentiment.
State television IRIB reported that “unreasonable demands” from the US prevented progress, despite 21 hours of intensive talks and Iranian initiatives.
Pakistan Appeals for Continued Ceasefire
Pakistan, acting as mediator, urged both sides to continue adhering to the two-week ceasefire following the conclusion of the talks. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the US.
Negotiation Context and Participants
The talks followed separate meetings between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and delegations from both countries. Vance praised Pakistan’s hospitality and clarified they bore no responsibility for the lack of agreement.
The Iranian delegation was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bager Ghalibaf and included Foreign Minister Abbas Aragczi, while the US side was headed by Vice President J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
The meeting occurred shortly after Iran and the US agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with no immediate plans for further negotiations announced.
