US Vice President JD Vance leaves Pakistan on Sunday after more than 21 hours of intense negotiations with Iran failed to produce a breakthrough, despite extensive discussions on key regional and nuclear issues.
Vance left Islamabad aboard Air Force Two at around 7:08 am, waving to Pakistani officials before departure. He was seen off by senior leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
His departure followed a press conference concluding the high-stakes “Islamabad talks,” a trilateral diplomatic effort facilitated by Pakistan that began Saturday afternoon and stretched late into the night.
Speaking to the media, Vance acknowledged the length and seriousness of the discussions but confirmed that no agreement had been reached.
“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement,” he said, adding that the outcome was “more disappointing for Iran than for the United States.”
He emphasized that Washington had clearly outlined its conditions, including what it was willing—and unwilling—to compromise on. According to Vance, the Iranian delegation ultimately declined to accept those terms.
At the same time, he praised Pakistan’s role in hosting and mediating the talks, saying the country had “done an amazing job” and that the lack of progress was not due to any shortcoming on Islamabad’s part.
A central US demand remains Iran’s firm and long-term commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons or develop capabilities that could enable rapid weaponisation.
“That is the core goal,” Vance said. “We are looking for a fundamental, lasting commitment—not just for now, but for the future. We haven’t seen that yet, though we hope to.”
He noted that discussions covered a wide range of issues, including nuclear policy, regional security, and economic concerns, but ultimately failed to bridge key differences.
Despite the deadlock, Vance described the US position as flexible and accommodating, adding that the American delegation remained in constant communication with Washington throughout the negotiations.
“We are leaving with what we believe is our final and best offer,” he said, leaving open the possibility of future engagement if Iran reconsiders.
Iran Signals Partial Progress, Blames US Demands
Iranian officials offered a more nuanced view, saying some progress had been made despite unresolved disagreements.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that both sides had reached an understanding on several issues, though differences remained on “two or three important matters.”
He noted that expectations for a quick agreement were unrealistic given the context.
“These talks took place after 40 days of conflict, in an atmosphere of mistrust. It was never expected that everything would be resolved in a single meeting,” he said.
However, Iranian state media struck a more critical tone. Broadcaster IRIB accused the United States of making “unreasonable demands” that derailed the negotiations. At the same time, other outlets warned that tensions—particularly around the Strait of Hormuz—would persist unless a fair agreement is reached.
Background: Conflict and Fragile Ceasefire
The negotiations come in the aftermath of a deadly regional conflict that began on February 28, following coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. The escalation resulted in over 2,000 deaths and significant instability across the Middle East.
Iran responded with retaliatory measures, including disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and launching attacks on US and Israeli interests.
A ceasefire was announced on April 8, with Pakistan playing a key mediating role. While the ceasefire has held, major disputes remain unresolved.
What’s Dividing the Two Sides
At the heart of the مذاکرات are competing proposals: a 15-point framework from the United States and a 10-point plan from Iran.
Key sticking points include:
Nuclear Programme:
The US is demanding strict limits and international monitoring to prevent weaponisation. Iran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear development.
Sanctions Relief:
Tehran wants immediate and full lifting of sanctions, while Washington proposes a phased approach tied to compliance.
Strait of Hormuz:
Iran seeks greater control over the strategic waterway, while the US insists on unrestricted global access.
Regional Influence:
The US wants Iran to end support for allied armed groups; Iran demands broader de-escalation and an end to military actions against its partners.
Missile Programme:
Washington is pushing for limits, while Tehran views such demands as an infringement on its sovereignty.
Security Guarantees:
Iran is calling for US troop withdrawal and non-aggression assurances—conditions Washington has not accepted.
Pakistan’s Continued Role
Despite the lack of a deal, Pakistan has been widely praised for facilitating the dialogue. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to mediating future discussions aimed at achieving lasting peace.
In meetings with the Iranian delegation, Pakistani leadership emphasized the importance of continued engagement and diplomacy to reduce tensions and build trust.
