US-Iran Talks in Pakistan Collapse After 21 Hours of Marathon Negotiations

High-stakes U.S.-Iran peace talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, have ended without an agreement after nearly 21 hours of continuous negotiations, with the United States confirming its delegation is returning home empty-handed amid rising uncertainty over a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East.

The talks were held at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad and were described as one of the most significant direct engagements between Washington and Tehran in years. Discussions focused on Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security concerns, sanctions, and the future of maritime stability in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

The U.S. delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Iranian officials also participated in intensive closed-door sessions that stretched through the night.

Speaking to reporters before departing on Air Force Two, Vance confirmed that the United States had presented what it called its “final and best offer,” but Iran declined to accept the conditions.

“We have been at it for 21 hours… We have not reached an agreement. Iran chose not to accept our terms,” Vance said, stressing that halting Iran’s nuclear programme remained a core U.S. demand that was not achieved.

He added that the outcome was “bad news for Iran much more than the United States,” while leaving open the possibility of future negotiations if conditions change.

The talks were aimed at building on a fragile ceasefire arrangement tied to broader regional tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Israel. Key issues included Iran’s nuclear development, sanctions relief, and security in strategic waterways.

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The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil exports passes, remained central to discussions due to ongoing concerns about maritime security and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

Pakistan played a key mediating role in the negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military officials facilitated the talks, with Islamabad urging both sides to maintain the ceasefire and continue dialogue.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated that sustaining the ceasefire is essential and pledged continued support for diplomatic engagement between both nations.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong also expressed disappointment over the outcome, warning that failure to reach a deal could worsen humanitarian and economic conditions, and urged a swift return to negotiations.

Iranian officials said the discussions took place in an atmosphere of mistrust, arguing that expecting a full agreement in a single round of talks was unrealistic. Tehran also confirmed that diplomatic consultations with regional partners will continue.

Although the current ceasefire remains in place, its long-term stability is now uncertain. Analysts warn that unresolved disputes over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and sanctions relief could quickly reignite tensions if diplomacy continues to stall.

The breakdown has also raised concerns over global energy markets, with fears that renewed escalation could disrupt shipping routes and oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important economic chokepoints.

For now, both sides have left the door open to future negotiations, but no timeline has been announced.

US-Iran Talks in Pakistan Collapse After 21 Hours of Marathon Negotiations

Strait of Hormuz: US Launches Naval Mine-Clearing Operation

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced the beginning of mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, as tensions in the Middle East continue to draw international attention.

The operation involved two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers—USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy—which transited the strategic waterway and conducted coordinated naval movements in the Arabian Gulf. CENTCOM said the mission is aimed at clearing sea mines allegedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but highly strategic maritime corridor, is responsible for the movement of nearly 20% of global oil shipments, making it one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. Any disruption in the area has immediate implications for global oil prices and international trade stability.

CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper confirmed that the operation marks the beginning of a broader effort to establish a “safe passage” for commercial shipping. He stated that the U.S. aims to restore secure navigation routes and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global commerce through the waterway.

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According to U.S. military officials, additional assets—including naval support units and underwater drones designed for mine detection and clearance—will join the operation in the coming days. These technologies are expected to enhance the speed and safety of clearing potential explosive devices from the seabed.

The move comes amid heightened regional tensions following earlier military confrontations involving the United States and Iran, as well as a fragile ceasefire that has helped prevent further escalation. Washington has described the operation as part of wider maritime security and stabilisation efforts in the region.

Iran has not issued an official response to the latest U.S. announcement. However, previous statements from Tehran have warned against increased foreign military presence in the Persian Gulf, raising concerns that the situation could escalate if operations continue.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints globally due to its role in energy transportation. Analysts warn that prolonged instability could disrupt global oil supply chains, increase shipping costs, and trigger volatility in energy markets.

While the U.S. says the mine-clearing mission is already underway, independent verification of the scope and progress of the operation has not yet been confirmed. Experts note that clearing naval mines is a complex process that could take days or even weeks depending on conditions.

For now, global attention remains fixed on the Strait of Hormuz as military activity, energy security concerns, and diplomatic tensions converge in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.

Strait of Hormuz: US Launches Naval Mine-Clearing Operation

US Revokes Green Cards of Iranian Family

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the lawful permanent resident status of family members of Masoumeh Ebtekar, the Iranian official who served as spokeswoman for militants during the Iran hostage crisis.

The affected individuals—Ebtekar’s son, daughter-in-law, and grandson—are currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are facing possible deportation proceedings.

In a statement posted on X, Rubio directly linked the action to Ebtekar’s role in the 1979 crisis, during which 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days after militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

“Masoumeh Ebtekar, also known as ‘Screaming Mary,’ was the spokeswoman for the Islamic terrorists who stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979,” Rubio said, accusing the hostage-takers of subjecting captives to severe abuse.

He disclosed that the family members—identified as Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son—entered the United States through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme during the administration of Barack Obama, receiving visas in 2014 and later obtaining permanent residency in 2016.

Rubio confirmed that their green cards had now been terminated.

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“This week, I terminated their lawful permanent resident status, and today, Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son are now in ICE custody pending their removal from our country,” he said.

He added that individuals linked to what he described as anti-American actions should not benefit from U.S. residency, stressing that such policies are being reinforced under President Donald Trump.

The move is part of a broader crackdown by the current administration targeting relatives of senior Iranian figures residing in the United States. Rubio recently announced similar measures against individuals connected to slain Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, including his niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, as well as the daughter of former Iranian official Ali Larijani. Those individuals have also reportedly been detained by ICE and are facing deportation.

Ebtekar, who later served as Iran’s vice president for women and family affairs, gained international attention for her televised defence of the hostage-takers during the crisis.

Her son, Seyed Eissa Hashemi, had reportedly been living in the Los Angeles area, where he worked as a psychology lecturer prior to his detention.

Immigration experts note that while lawful permanent residency—commonly known as a green card—grants the right to live and work in the United States, it can be revoked under certain conditions, including national security concerns or misrepresentation during the immigration process.

The decision has triggered mixed reactions online and among policy observers. Supporters argue it reflects long-overdue accountability tied to one of the most sensitive episodes in U.S.–Iran relations, while critics question whether family members with no direct involvement in the 1979 events should face punitive measures.

As of the time of reporting, no official response has been issued by the affected family members or the Iranian government.

US Revokes Green Cards of Iranian Family