US–Iran Talks in Islamabad End Without Breakthrough Amid Deep Divisions

High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without an agreement, as Tehran refused to accept Washington’s key demand to commit to not pursuing nuclear weapons or the capabilities needed for rapid nuclear development.

Despite more than 21 hours of intensive discussions, the lack of such assurances prevented meaningful progress, according to US Vice President JD Vance.

“We need to see a clear and affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon—not now, nor in the future,” Vance said, describing this as a central objective of the administration led by Donald Trump.

Vance confirmed that Iran declined to accept the proposed US terms, prompting the American delegation to leave Pakistan without a deal. “The fact that we have not reached an agreement is bad news—arguably worse for Iran,” he added, emphasising that Washington’s “red lines” had been clearly outlined.

First High-Level Direct Engagement in Over a Decade

The Islamabad talks marked the first direct engagement between senior US and Iranian officials in over a decade and the highest-level interaction since the Iranian Revolution.

The US delegation included special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Iran was represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Pakistani sources indicated that the discussions were marked by fluctuating tensions, with the tone of negotiations shifting repeatedly during initial rounds.

Key Disputes Extend Beyond Nuclear Issue

While Iran’s nuclear programme remained the central sticking point, significant disagreements also persisted over the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime corridor through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies transit.

Tehran has reportedly demanded greater control over traffic arrangements in the strait, along with sanctions relief, compensation for wartime damages, and ceasefire arrangements across multiple regional theatres, including Lebanon.

In contrast, Washington has prioritised ensuring freedom of navigation in the waterway and imposing limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment programme.

The US military also indicated that it is considering “conditional measures” related to mine clearance operations in the strait, while Iranian state media denied claims that US naval vessels had transited the route.

Ceasefire Pressures and Regional Tensions

The talks took place against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions, including continued military operations by Israel against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

While Washington and Israel maintain that any ceasefire with Tehran does not extend to Hezbollah, Iran has pushed for a broader cessation of hostilities across the region.

According to reports, the conflict has entered its seventh week, with significant casualties and sustained volatility in global markets, particularly in energy prices due to concerns over disruptions in critical supply routes.

Iran has also raised issues such as the unfreezing of overseas assets, a demand US officials have reportedly rejected. Additionally, Tehran is seeking guarantees against future attacks and compensation for war-related damages—factors that continue to complicate diplomatic progress.

Talks Continue at Technical Level

Despite the lack of a formal breakthrough, both sides have signalled that dialogue has not entirely collapsed. Iranian authorities indicated that technical teams will continue to exchange draft proposals, suggesting that negotiations remain open at a working level.

Pakistani officials confirmed that expert-level engagements are ongoing even after the conclusion of the main talks.