Islamabad (TDI): US Vice President JD Vance departed Islamabad on Sunday after marathon negotiations with Iran ended without a breakthrough.
Speaking after nearly 21 hours of talks, Vance said both sides held “substantive discussions” but failed to reach an agreement. He noted that Washington had clearly outlined its conditions, including firm assurances that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons, but the Iranian side did not accept those terms.
“We’ve made our red lines very clear,” Vance said, adding that despite flexibility from the US delegation, “we have not reached an agreement.”
The US team, which included Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, had been in continuous contact with President Donald Trump throughout the negotiations.
Despite the deadlock, Vance praised Pakistan’s role, thanking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for hosting the talks and facilitating dialogue. He emphasized that any shortcomings in the outcome were not due to Pakistan’s efforts.
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On the Iranian side, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear policy, sanctions relief, war reparations, and a broader end to the conflict.
Baqaei described the talks as complex and acknowledged that while some understanding was reached on certain matters, key differences remained on a few major issues, preventing a final agreement. He stressed that progress would depend on “good faith” from the US side and recognition of Iran’s rights and interests.
The Iranian delegation, led by Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also appreciated Pakistan’s role in hosting the negotiations.
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The talks, held in Islamabad over multiple sessions, were part of broader diplomatic efforts during a two-week ceasefire in the US–Israel conflict with Iran. While no agreement was reached, both sides indicated that communication channels remain open, leaving the possibility of future negotiations.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
