High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have ended without an agreement, with US Vice President JD Vance announcing his return to Washington after 21 hours of failed talks.
Vance stated that while the discussions were “substantive,” the Iranian side refused to accept American terms regarding its nuclear programme and regional security.
“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I believe this is a much worse development for Iran than it is for the United States,” Vance told reporters before his departure.
The Vice President thanked Pakistan’s Prime Minister and army chief for hosting the mediation, describing them as “excellent hosts” who made significant efforts to bridge the gap between the two nations.
‘Final and best offer’
Vance emphasised that the US delegation remained in constant contact with President Donald Trump throughout the process, consulting him approximately a dozen times. He noted that the US had clearly defined its “red lines” and areas where it would not compromise.
“We are leaving here having submitted a very simple proposal, a memorandum of understanding that constitutes our final and best offer,” Vance said. “We will see if the Iranians accept it.”
The primary US objective remains ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon or the means to produce one rapidly. While Vance acknowledged that previous enrichment facilities have been destroyed, he stressed that Washington requires a long-term commitment that Tehran has yet to demonstrate.
Tehran slams ‘excessive demands’
The Iranian foreign ministry hit back following the collapse of the talks, accusing Washington of making illegal and unrealistic demands.
Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on X that the success of the diplomatic process depends on the US abandoning “excessive and illegal demands” and respecting Iran’s “legitimate rights.”
Sources close to the Iranian delegation, cited by the Fars news agency, claimed the US attempted to gain through negotiations what it could not achieve during the war. Tehran reportedly rejected “ambitious” American terms regarding the Strait of Hormuz and its peaceful nuclear energy programme.
The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that “the ball is in America’s court” and warned that nothing would change in the Strait of Hormuz until a “logical agreement” is reached. Iran currently maintains that it is in “no rush” to return to the table. No date or location has been set for a potential next round of talks.