US-Iran Talks in Islamabad End Without Result; JD Vance Says: “Iran Did Not Accept Our Terms; We Are Returning Without a Deal”

New Delhi. Despite 21 hours of intense discussions held between the United States and Iran in the Pakistani capital, no agreement could be reached; in other words, the talks ended without a result. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance stated, “We came here with an open mind, but we are now returning to the United States without a deal.” Meanwhile, according to Tasnim—Iran’s state-run news agency—excessive demands made by the US hindered the establishment of a common framework and an agreement.

Addressing the press conference, Vance said, “The good news is that we have had meaningful discussions with the Iranians on several issues. The bad news is that we were unable to reach an agreement. And I believe this is worse news for Iran than it is for the United States.”

Vance noted that he had presented his side’s “final and best offer,” but Iran has, for the time being, refused to accept the US terms. Speaking in a firm tone, Vance emphasized that the US has made its “red lines” clear. He stated, “We have made it clear what we are willing to compromise on, and what we absolutely will not. The Iranian delegation has chosen not to accept our terms.”

When asked by reporters what specific points the Iranians had refused to accept, the US Vice President replied, “I will not go into excessive detail, as I do not wish to make public the specifics of 21 hours of private negotiations. However, the fact remains that we require a commitment from their side that they will neither attempt to acquire nuclear weapons nor pursue options that would enable them to obtain nuclear weapons in the immediate future.”

He further added, “Any shortcomings in the negotiations were not due to the Pakistanis. They did an excellent job and truly made every effort to help bridge the gap between us and the Iranians, and to facilitate the reaching of an agreement.” In these talks, the United States’ most prominent and stringent condition concerned nuclear weapons. The U.S. asserts that it requires a guarantee that Iran will never attempt to develop nuclear weapons in the future. The United States emphasized that it has demonstrated considerable flexibility on its part, having put forward a “simple proposal” and an “approach based on mutual understanding,” yet maintained that there can be no compromise regarding nuclear security.