US-Iran Talks End Without Deal After 21-Hour Negotiations in Pakistan

US-Iran Talks End Without Deal After 21-Hour Negotiations in Pakistan​

JD Vance Confirms Breakdown in Efforts to Resolve Six-Week Conflict​

The United States and Iran have failed to reach an agreement to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following nearly 21 hours of negotiations held over the weekend in Pakistan. Vice President JD Vance confirmed the outcome early Sunday in Islamabad, calling the development a setback after recent ceasefire efforts.

“We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement,” Vance told reporters. He added that Washington had clearly outlined its conditions during the discussions. “We've made very clear what our red lines are, what things we're willing to accommodate them on, and what things we're not willing to accommodate them on. And we've made that as clear as we possibly could, and they have chosen not to accept our terms.”

High-Level Delegations Participate in Talks​

The US delegation included Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, while the Iranian side was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf. The talks were aimed at finding a lasting resolution to the six-week conflict.

Technical experts joined the negotiations on Saturday, focusing on key issues such as the Strait of Hormuz, a potential extension of the ceasefire, and a phased approach to sanctions relief. The discussions were confirmed by both US and Pakistani officials familiar with the matter.

Core Disputes Remain Unresolved​

Despite extended discussions, the negotiations largely avoided critical areas that the US administration has identified as central to the conflict. These include Iran’s support for armed proxy groups, as well as its nuclear and missile programs.

The lack of progress on these core issues contributed to the failure to secure an agreement, even as both sides explored other areas of compromise.

Ceasefire Fragility and Regional Tensions Impact Talks​

The breakdown in negotiations comes shortly after a fragile two-week ceasefire had been established. Ongoing tensions in the region, including disruptions to maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz and continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, added pressure to the talks.

The inability to ensure safe transit for oil tankers and other vessels through the strategic waterway also weighed heavily on the discussions, underscoring the broader geopolitical and economic implications of the conflict.