US and Iranian officials concluded 21 hours of direct talks in Islamabad on Sunday without reaching an agreement to end the ongoing conflict. Vice President JD Vance, leading the US delegation, stated that Iranian negotiators declined to accept American terms, describing the US offer as “final and best.”
Iranian sources countered that American demands were “excessive” and “unreasonable,” with disagreements centering on Iran’s nuclear program. While the US sought assurances regarding Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, Iranian officials suggested multiple sticking points contributed to the breakdown.
Despite the lack of a deal, the fact that the two nations engaged in face-to-face negotiations – the highest-level talks in nearly 50 years – was noted as a breakthrough. Pakistan, the host nation, and Australia have urged both sides to uphold the current two-week ceasefire as they consider next steps.
Expectations for a final deal during this initial round were considered unrealistic, though the possibility of future negotiations remains open. Both sides arrived in Islamabad asserting their position of strength, ultimately leaving with neither achieving a dominant outcome.