Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without an agreement after nearly 21 hours of continuous negotiations, according to officials from both sides. The discussions, hosted by Pakistan, were aimed at formalising a fragile ceasefire and addressing key issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting marked one of the most sustained direct engagements between Washington and Tehran in decades and came amid ongoing tensions following a conflict that began on February 28 with US and Israeli airstrikes. Despite extended rounds of dialogue, including written proposal exchanges and overnight sessions, no joint framework or agreement was announced at the conclusion of the talks.
Talks held amid recent ceasefire
The Islamabad meeting took place shortly after a ceasefire understanding was reached earlier in the week, following days of escalation in the region. Officials described the talks as part of an ongoing diplomatic process aimed at stabilising the situation rather than a single decisive negotiation. The US delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance, who remained in coordination with President Donald Trump during the discussions. Iranian representatives included senior political and diplomatic officials presenting Tehran’s position across multiple areas of concern.
Pakistani authorities facilitated continuous engagement between the delegations, hosting multiple rounds of talks that extended late into the night. Following the conclusion of the meeting, Pakistan urged both sides to maintain restraint and continue diplomatic efforts. A Pakistani statement said, “It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire.” Officials familiar with the discussions said the talks involved direct exchanges as well as written proposals, with both sides outlining positions and responding to each other’s demands in sequence.
Nuclear programme remains unresolved
Iran’s nuclear programme remained the central issue throughout the negotiations and was not resolved. The United States presented a proposal seeking verifiable commitments from Iran to limit its nuclear activities, including restrictions on uranium enrichment and measures related to existing stockpiles. Reports indicated that concerns included approximately 400 kilograms of enriched uranium linked to facilities such as Isfahan.
A US official said, “This was our final and best offer aimed at addressing long-term security concerns.” Iranian officials did not accept these conditions and maintained that uranium enrichment remains a sovereign right. Representatives from Tehran described the US demands as exceeding acceptable limits and not reflecting Iran’s strategic position.
An Iranian official said, “The demands presented were excessive and do not recognise Iran’s legitimate rights.” Another Iranian statement indicated that expectations from the talks were limited, with an official saying, “It is natural that we shouldn’t have expected to reach agreement in just one session.” The difference in positions on the nuclear issue remained unresolved throughout the negotiations.
Sanctions and Hormuz disputes continue
Economic sanctions and maritime access were also central to the negotiations and remained unresolved. Iran called for the lifting of US sanctions and access to frozen financial assets as part of any agreement. US officials stated that sanctions relief would be conditional and linked to compliance with nuclear and security-related commitments.
The status of the Strait of Hormuz was discussed extensively during the talks. The United States called for the immediate reopening of the waterway to ensure the flow of global shipping. Iran’s position included maintaining strategic leverage, with discussions reportedly covering oversight and control mechanisms.
During the same period, reports indicated that US authorities had begun preparatory maritime measures, including mine-clearing considerations, aimed at ensuring safe navigation. Iranian officials did not indicate any shift in their stance regarding control of the strait, and no agreement was reached on the issue.
Regional issues raised during discussions
The scope of the talks extended beyond bilateral concerns to include wider regional developments. Iranian representatives raised issues related to ongoing tensions involving Hezbollah and military activity linked to Israel. Officials indicated that Iran sought broader assurances, including guarantees against future military actions and references to war-related damages.
An Iranian representative said, “Any agreement must include guarantees that prevent future attacks.” The discussions also referenced developments in Lebanon, where ongoing hostilities and reported casualties formed part of the broader regional context presented during the talks.
US officials acknowledged that regional issues were discussed but did not indicate agreement on incorporating them into a formal framework. These issues remained unresolved at the conclusion of the meeting.
No agreement reached after 21 hours
The talks concluded without a joint statement or formal agreement after approximately 21 hours of negotiations. Both sides confirmed that discussions had taken place but did not result in resolution of key issues. Vice President JD Vance said the negotiations had not produced an agreement.
He said, “We have not reached an agreement after these discussions.” Iranian officials also confirmed that no deal had been finalised and reiterated their position on the issues raised during the talks.
Officials from both sides indicated that communication channels remain open and that the discussions are part of an ongoing process. No timeline for further talks was announced. The ceasefire remains in place at the time of reporting, with no additional commitments confirmed following the Islamabad meeting.
