Talks between the United States and Iran have ended without a peace agreement, following a fresh round of high-level negotiations in Pakistan.
The discussions, described as intense and high-stakes, lasted about 21 hours but failed to produce a breakthrough, mainly due to Iran’s refusal to accept U.S. demands to completely halt the development of nuclear weapons.
J. D. Vance, who led the American delegation, said the core objective of the talks was to secure a clear commitment from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons or acquire the capability to build them quickly.
“We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon,” he told reporters, adding that the U.S. had presented what it considers its “final and best offer.”
Vance also revealed that he remained in constant contact with Donald Trump throughout the negotiations, alongside other top officials including Marco Rubio and Brad Cooper, as efforts were made to reach a deal.
The talks come amid a fragile two-week ceasefire in a conflict that has now stretched into its seventh week, leaving thousands dead and sending shockwaves through global markets.
On its part, Iran downplayed expectations of a quick resolution. The country’s foreign ministry said it was unrealistic to expect a full agreement in a single round of talks, stressing that negotiations are ongoing and require time.
Meanwhile, discussions are expected to continue, with both sides keeping communication channels open. Technical teams from both delegations are still engaging behind the scenes, while top officials may reconvene after a short break.
The broader conflict—sparked by joint military actions involving the U.S. and Israel—has expanded across the Middle East, with retaliatory strikes and rising regional tensions. The situation has also disrupted global energy supply, particularly after Iran moved to restrict access to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the setback, diplomats say the door to a negotiated settlement remains open, even as uncertainty looms over what will happen once the current ceasefire expires.
