US–Iran talks collapse in Islamabad as nuclear dispute blocks breakthrough

High-level negotiations between the United States and Iran ended without a breakthrough in Islamabad, underscoring deep divisions between the two sides despite nearly 21 hours of intensive discussions.

Speaking before departing Pakistan’s capital, US Vice President JD Vance said Tehran had declined to agree to Washington’s proposed terms, particularly regarding its nuclear programme.

“The outcome is disappointing,” Vance told reporters, adding that the failure to reach an agreement would have greater consequences for Iran than for the United States.

He stressed that Washington is seeking a clear and binding assurance that Iran will neither pursue nuclear weapons nor develop the capabilities to rapidly produce them.

According to Vance, the US position hinges on what he described as a “fundamental commitment” from Tehran to abandon any pathway toward nuclear armament.

Iranian officials, however, downplayed expectations of an immediate deal. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said it had been unrealistic to anticipate a comprehensive agreement in a single round of talks.

“No one expected a final deal at this stage,” Baghaei said in remarks carried by state media, adding that diplomatic engagement would continue with regional partners, including Pakistan.

Islamabad, which hosted and facilitated the talks, urged both sides to maintain dialogue and uphold the fragile ceasefire.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed appreciation for the willingness of both delegations to engage, calling for continued efforts toward long-term peace and regional stability.

The discussions come against the backdrop of a broader conflict that erupted on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, triggering retaliatory strikes by Tehran targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US military assets.

The escalation has had far-reaching consequences, with more than 2,000 reported casualties and widespread damage to both civilian and military infrastructure.

Global markets have also felt the impact. Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz — a critical passage for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply — have contributed to a sharp energy shock, intensifying economic uncertainty worldwide.

Delegations were led by Vance for the United States and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf for Iran, marking the most senior-level engagement between the two countries since the Iranian Revolution.

While both sides discussed pathways to reinforce a ceasefire, progress was hindered by persistent disagreements and ongoing regional tensions, including continued Israeli military activity in Lebanon involving Hezbollah forces.