By Spy Uganda
High-stakes peace talks between the United States and Iran ended without a breakthrough on Sunday after nearly a full day of negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan raising fresh uncertainty over a fragile ceasefire and escalating tensions in the region.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who led Washington’s delegation, confirmed that the two sides failed to reach an agreement following 21 hours of discussions.
“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the U.S. They have chosen not to accept our terms,” Vance said at a press conference before departing Pakistan.
He identified Iran’s nuclear ambitions as the main sticking point, saying the U.S. was seeking a clear commitment that Tehran would not pursue nuclear weapons or the capability to rapidly develop them.
Iran, however, maintained that its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes and insisted on its right to continue uranium enrichment.
In a statement, Iranian officials said the talks yielded progress on several issues but ultimately fell short of a final deal. Tehran also accused Washington of making excessive demands, noting that complex issues such as control of the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions relief could not be resolved in a single meeting.
The negotiations marked the first direct, high-level engagement between the two countries since the 2015 nuclear deal brokered under former President Barack Obama, which was later scrapped by Donald Trump. They were also the most significant talks since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Despite earlier optimism, President Trump took a hardline stance after the talks collapsed, announcing plans for a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
In a series of social media posts, Trump said the talks failed because Iran was unwilling to abandon its nuclear ambitions and warned of aggressive measures against vessels linked to Tehran. He also indicated that U.S. forces would act against Iranian mines in the waterway and respond forcefully to any threats.
The breakdown in negotiations has cast doubt over a two-week ceasefire, even as Vance left the door open for further diplomacy, describing the U.S. proposal as its “final and best offer.”
Pakistan, which hosted the talks and has emerged as a key mediator, urged both sides to maintain the ceasefire and continue dialogue. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for restraint, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in preventing further escalation.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high across the region. Ongoing hostilities involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon continue to threaten broader stability, with both sides reporting fresh attacks over the weekend.
Although no agreement was reached, analysts say the mere fact that U.S. and Iranian officials met face-to-face after years of hostility signals a potential, if uncertain, path toward future negotiations.
