Efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran failed to produce a deal after nearly a full day of negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan.
US Vice President JD Vance said the discussions stalled because Tehran declined to accept Washington’s conditions, especially demands tied to its nuclear programme. He explained that the US wants a firm assurance that Iran will neither build nuclear weapons nor seek the capacity to develop them quickly.
Reports by Al Jazeera indicated that although the meeting ended without a breakthrough, communication between both sides may continue through other diplomatic channels.
Key disagreements centred on Iran’s nuclear activities and issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. The US position reportedly goes beyond a basic pledge, insisting Iran also avoid acquiring tools that could speed up weapon development.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said it was unrealistic to expect a final agreement from a single round of talks, adding that Tehran remains in contact with regional partners.
Hosting the talks, Pakistan called on both nations to maintain the ceasefire and keep dialogue open. Foreign minister Ishaq Dar expressed hope that continued engagement would help achieve lasting peace in the region.
The negotiations followed weeks of heightened conflict after the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran in late February, a development that has led to heavy casualties and widespread damage.
Although no agreement was reached, both sides signalled that diplomatic engagement has not ended.
