U.S.–Iran Talks End Without Deal After Marathon Negotiations in Pakistan
High-stakes talks between the United States and Iran have ended without an agreement after more than 21 hours of negotiations in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
The discussions, described as the most significant direct engagement between the two countries in decades, were aimed at ending ongoing hostilities and stabilizing a fragile ceasefire. However, both sides failed to bridge major differences on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. officials said the talks were “substantive” but ultimately inconclusive, while Iranian representatives criticized Washington’s demands as “excessive” and unrealistic, underscoring deep mistrust between the two sides.
The failure to reach a deal puts a temporary ceasefire at risk, raising concerns about a possible escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Despite the breakdown, both sides signaled that diplomacy is not over, leaving open the possibility of further negotiations in the coming weeks. Analysts say any future progress will depend on whether both countries can compromise on long-standing strategic and security disagreements.
The outcome highlights the complexity of resolving one of the world’s most entrenched geopolitical rivalries, with significant implications for global security and energy markets.
