Nuclear weapons guarantees remain the central sticking point as American negotiators depart Pakistan empty-handed after more than 15 hours of discussions.
Peace negotiations between the United States and Iran ended without an agreement Saturday, Vice President JD Vance confirmed at a press conference in Islamabad. The failure to reach a deal casts serious uncertainty over a fragile ceasefire that has held for only two weeks in a conflict now entering its seventh week.
Vance, speaking alongside chief negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, stated plainly that the talks had not produced a breakthrough. He framed the outcome as more consequential for Iran than for the United States, suggesting Tehran bore greater responsibility for the impasse.
The central obstacle, according to Vance, was Iran’s unwillingness to offer a binding, long-term commitment to forgo nuclear weapons development. The vice president indicated that the U.S. side had sought more than a temporary assurance, pressing Iranian counterparts for a durable pledge extending well beyond the near term.
Despite the collapse of negotiations, Vance said the American proposal remains on the table. He described the offer as the United States’ final and best position, leaving the next move to Iranian leadership.
The talks took place in Islamabad after more than 15 hours of direct engagement. Pakistan’s role as host reflects its longstanding position as a potential neutral venue for sensitive diplomatic exchanges in the region.
