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

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.

READ ALSO:

• Strait of Hormuz: US Launches Naval Mine-Clearing Operation
• Police Rescue Boy Allegedly Locked in Van Since 2024 in France
• Afrobeats Drama: Burna Boy–DJ Tunez Clash Fuels Wizkid Face-Off Speculation

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