The United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement to end their ongoing conflict after lengthy face-to-face talks in Islamabad concluded early Sunday, casting uncertainty over a fragile ceasefire.
The 21-hour negotiations—the first direct meeting in over a decade and the highest-level engagement since the Iranian Islamic Revolution—ended with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock.
US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said the failure to secure a deal was “more bad news for Iran than for the United States” as he departed Pakistan aboard Air Force Two. He emphasized that Washington had clearly outlined its “red lines,” particularly Iran’s commitment to never develop nuclear weapons.
“We negotiated in good faith and presented our final and best offer,” Vance said, adding that the US now awaits Iran’s response.
Iranian officials, however, accused Washington of making “excessive” demands. State-linked media reported that while some progress was made, major disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear program and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry described the talks as taking place in an atmosphere of mistrust, noting that reaching a comprehensive agreement in a single round was unlikely.
Despite the setback, both sides are expected to maintain a two-week ceasefire brokered earlier this week with Pakistan’s mediation. The truce aims to de-escalate a conflict that began on February 28 following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets—an escalation that has shaken the Middle East and driven global oil prices higher.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both parties to uphold the ceasefire and continue diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump downplayed the urgency of a deal, saying ongoing negotiations were not essential. “Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me, because we’ve won,” he told reporters.
The US delegation included special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. On the Iranian side, the team was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
A Pakistani source described the early round of talks as tense, saying there were noticeable mood swings, with the atmosphere fluctuating as discussions intensified.
