High-stakes peace negotiations between the United States and Iran have ended without agreement after marathon discussions in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
Delegations from both sides failed to bridge deep differences despite more than 20 hours of talks aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. The breakdown comes as tensions remain high across the Middle East.
US Vice-President JD Vance confirmed the deadlock, stating that Iran did not accept Washington’s terms.
He described the proposal presented during the meeting as America’s “final and best offer,” adding that a key sticking point was Iran’s refusal to commit to permanently abandoning any pursuit of nuclear weapons capability.
Vance also noted that Donald Trump was closely involved throughout the negotiations, with multiple consultations during the talks.
Iranian officials pushed back, accusing the US of making “unreasonable” and “excessive” demands. Tehran insisted that its “legitimate rights and interests” must be respected in any agreement.
State media reports indicated that Iranian negotiators believed progress was blocked by Washington’s conditions, particularly around nuclear commitments and broader strategic concessions.
The talks held in Islamabad had been seen as a rare face-to-face engagement between the two long-time adversaries. However, expectations remained low due to entrenched positions on both sides.
Correspondents on the ground reported a visible sense of disappointment as delegations departed and signage marking the talks was swiftly dismantled.
The collapse raises uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire agreed earlier in the week. While no immediate return to large-scale conflict has been announced, analysts say the risk of renewed escalation has increased.
Key unresolved issues include Iran’s nuclear ambitions and control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which remains a major geopolitical flashpoint.
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Elsewhere, the Israel Defense Forces reported striking a rocket launcher in southern Lebanon, underscoring ongoing instability in the region.
Separate talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected to take place in Washington next week, as diplomatic efforts continue on multiple fronts.
Despite the historic nature of the Islamabad meeting, the failure to reach a deal highlights just how wide the gap remains between Washington and Tehran and how uncertain the path to peace still is.
