US, Iran fail to reach agreement after 21-hour talks in Pakistan

High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran ended without a deal after 21 hours of discussions in Islamabad, raising fresh concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The talks, mediated by Pakistan, were aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing long-standing disputes, particularly around Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional security issues.

Speaking after the meeting, US Vice President JD Vance said the failure to reach an agreement was largely due to Tehran’s refusal to accept Washington’s terms.

“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States,” Vance said, stressing the need for a firm commitment from Iran to abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons.

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At the heart of the deadlock were disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

Washington is demanding that Iran not only renounce nuclear weapons but also avoid developing the capacity to build them quickly, a condition Tehran has historically resisted.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, downplayed expectations of an immediate breakthrough, noting that such complex negotiations typically require multiple rounds.

“From the beginning, we should not have expected to reach an agreement in a single session,” he said, adding that further engagements may continue through diplomatic channels.

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Despite the setback, officials indicated that talks are not entirely over, with possibilities for continued negotiations remotely or through intermediary countries.

Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, urged both nations to sustain dialogue and build on ceasefire efforts, describing diplomacy as the only viable path to long-term stability.

The latest round of talks comes amid heightened tensions following the February 28 escalation involving the US and Israel, which has reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths and widespread destruction across parts of Iran.

While both sides remain far apart, analysts say the continuation of dialogue, even without immediate results, signals a willingness to avoid a deeper regional conflict.