The United States and Iran have failed to reach an agreement following marathon talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Sunday, ending efforts aimed at reducing tensions between both countries.
The 21-hour negotiations concluded without consensus, with both sides citing major disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security concerns.
Diplomatic sources said the talks, which followed a recent ceasefire arrangement, ended without a breakthrough, raising questions over the sustainability of the fragile understanding between the two sides.
A senior U.S. official said Washington had clearly outlined its position during the discussions.
“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are; we have not reached an agreement, and that reflects Iran’s decision not to accept the terms on the table,” the official said.
The United States has insisted that Iran must provide assurances that it will not pursue nuclear weapons capability or develop related technologies that could enable rapid weaponisation.
“We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and will not develop the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve one,” the official stated.
Iranian officials, according to state-affiliated media, described the U.S. demands as excessive. Iranian officials acknowledged some progress on certain issues, but significant differences persisted regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry said the talks were conducted in an atmosphere of mistrust, adding that it was unrealistic to expect a comprehensive agreement in a single round of negotiations.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, said it was important to maintain the current ceasefire arrangement while diplomatic efforts continue.
Reports indicate that the talks in Islamabad mark the first direct high-level engagement between the United States and Iran in over a decade.
Both delegations have since returned to their respective countries, according to diplomatic sources.
Reuters