Islamabad: Intensive and lengthy negotiations between Iran and the United States in Pakistan's capital ended without reaching a successful joint framework agreement. Washington's unilateral and excessive demands became the primary obstacle to achieving a sustainable agreement.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, on Saturday, Islamabad transformed into a regional diplomatic hub. The senior Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived late Friday. The Iranian delegation was welcomed by senior Pakistani officials, which showed Islamabad's determination to reduce regional tensions. Ghalibaf stated that Iran attended with goodwill but lacks trust in the US, demanding a realistic plan that respects Iran's rights. Meanwhile, the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, arrived Saturday noon, received by officials striving to facilitate constructive dialogue.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with the Iranian and American representatives, describing the talks as a crucial moment for regional stability. Meeting the Iranian delegation, Sharif expressed profound gratitude for Tehran's participation, reaffirming Pakistan's strict commitment to mediating meaningful outcomes for global peace. Similarly, in discussions with the US vice president, Sharif emphasized Islamabad's eagerness to facilitate steady progress toward lasting peace. Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar also labeled the negotiations a vital opportunity to overcome the crisis. Despite these efforts, intensive trilateral talks, lasting until 3:12 a.m. on Sunday, failed to produce a unified framework.
Fundamental disagreements over lifting sanctions, implementing mutual commitments, and US demands regarding the nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz completely blocked any tangible progress. The Iranian delegation adopted a cautious yet demand-driven approach, insisting any agreement must guarantee national rights and fully remove sanctions. Washington's strict insistence on unacceptable demands pushed the talks into a stalemate.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran's seriousness heavily depends on the opposing side's approach. In a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran seeks to resolve issues through international law but will actively defend its territorial integrity.
The US vice president claimed Washington entered negotiations with flexibility but could not reach definitive terms, stating Washington requires strict assurances regarding nuclear weapons. European media noted Vance entered with limited leverage. Following the talks, Vance left Islamabad on Sunday morning.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that diplomacy never ends. He noted these were the longest talks in the past year, lasting about 24 hours. Baqaei explained complex issues made a quick resolution impossible, highlighting the talks occurred after 40 days of war and nine months of tension. The Islamabad talks reflected two differing approaches, leading to no agreement. Yet continued dialogue shows diplomacy remains open, though breaking the stalemate requires a real shift in policy, especially from Washington, to prevent another unresolved negotiation. Consultations with regional allies and partners will now consistently continue.