U.S.–Iran Talks in Pakistan Collapse After 21 Hours, No Agreement Reached

High-stakes direct negotiations between the United States and Iran ended in deadlock on Sunday after 21 hours of marathon talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Washington confirming that no agreement was reached.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced the breakdown while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force Two, saying the American delegation was returning home after Iran declined to accept Washington’s terms.

According to him, the discussions—described as the first direct high-level engagement between both nations in decades—were aimed at consolidating a fragile ceasefire, curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and addressing wider regional security concerns, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

“We have been at it now for 21 hours… We have not reached an agreement. Iran chose not to accept our terms,” Vance said, adding that the U.S. had tabled what he described as a “final and best offer.”

He maintained that preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities remained a core objective that was not achieved through the talks.

Vance further noted that while the outcome was unfavorable for Tehran, Washington remained open to future engagement if conditions improved.

The talks, hosted in Islamabad at the Serena Hotel, were mediated by Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military officials playing key facilitation roles.

The U.S. delegation included President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, who held extended sessions with Iranian representatives throughout the negotiations.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said both sides must continue to respect the fragile ceasefire currently in place, stressing the importance of sustained dialogue to prevent further escalation.

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire,” Dar said, adding that Pakistan would continue its diplomatic efforts to encourage engagement between both countries.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry, however, said the talks were conducted in an atmosphere of deep mistrust, arguing that it was unrealistic to expect a breakthrough in a single round of negotiations. It added that consultations with regional allies would continue.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed disappointment over the outcome, warning that failure to reach a deal could heighten regional tensions and global economic risks, particularly in the energy sector.

Analysts have cautioned that the collapse of the talks could undermine the current ceasefire arrangement and potentially trigger renewed instability in the Middle East, with possible implications for global oil markets.

Despite the setback, diplomatic channels remain formally open, though the prospects for immediate progress appear uncertain.