The United States and Iran have failed to reach a deal to end the ongoing Middle East war after marathon negotiations in Islamabad.
US Vice President JD Vance disclosed on Sunday that talks ended without agreement, despite Washington presenting what he described as its “final and best offer.”
“We leave here with a very simple proposal… we’ll see if the Iranians accept it,” Mr Vance said after 21 hours of negotiations.
The talks, the highest-level engagement between both countries since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, focused on ending hostilities and addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to Mr Vance, the US is seeking a “fundamental commitment” from Tehran not to develop nuclear weapons, a condition he said has yet to be met.
The war began after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February, triggering retaliatory attacks from Tehran and escalating tensions across the region.
US President Donald Trump maintained a hard stance, declaring that Washington had already achieved military success regardless of the outcome of negotiations.
“Whether we make a deal or not… we’ve won,” he said.
Sticking points
Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, blamed the deadlock on what they described as “unreasonable demands” by the American side.
Iran also insisted on key conditions, including the lifting of sanctions, unfreezing of assets, and an end to Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
However, US officials indicated that the Lebanon conflict was not part of the Islamabad negotiations.
Role of Pakistan
Pakistan, which hosted and mediated the talks, urged both sides to maintain the temporary ceasefire and continue dialogue.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad would keep facilitating engagement between the two rivals.
Strategic tensions
A major point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route that Iran has effectively controlled during the conflict, disrupting energy supplies and driving up prices.
The issue of maritime security and control of the strait continues to complicate diplomatic efforts.
The conflict has extended into Lebanon, where Israeli operations against Hezbollah have resulted in over 2,000 deaths, according to Lebanese authorities.
Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has indicated it will continue military pressure while pursuing separate talks with Lebanon.
The failure of the talks underscores deep divisions between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of prolonged conflict, further economic disruption, and a broader regional escalation in the Middle East.
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