US-Iran Peace Talks Collapse as Nuclear Dispute Stalls Breakthrough
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Efforts to broker peace between the United States and Iran faltered after high-level negotiations ended without an agreement, with US Vice President JD Vance confirming that talks broke down over key demands.
Speaking to reporters, Vance said Washington had pushed for a “fundamental commitment” from Tehran to abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons. Despite presenting what he described as the US government’s “final and best offer,” no such assurance was secured.
“We haven’t seen that,” Vance said, expressing disappointment over the outcome.
Still, the US signaled it was leaving the door open for diplomacy, granting Iran additional time to consider the proposal. Washington also announced a temporary two-week pause in joint military actions with Israel to allow space for renewed negotiations.
Pakistan, which hosted and mediated the talks, reiterated its willingness to continue facilitating dialogue. Its leadership urged both sides to uphold the existing ceasefire and avoid further escalation.
Iranian state media, including Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, blamed the impasse on what it described as “unreasonable demands” from the US side. However, a spokesperson from Iran’s foreign ministry downplayed expectations, noting that a single round of talks was unlikely to resolve a conflict that has stretched over 40 days.
Tensions remained high during the negotiations, with both sides holding firm positions. The US reportedly increased pressure by deploying minesweeping vessels to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that Iran had effectively shut down through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iranian media further criticized Washington’s proposals as containing “excessive demands,” particularly regarding control and access to the vital waterway.
Adding to the strain, US President Donald Trump claimed that American forces had already achieved military success.
“Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me… we’ve won,” Trump said, citing the deaths of Iranian leaders and the destruction of key military assets. (Tracy Cabrera)
ia/xf
