US-Iran talks in Islamabad end without deal as Vance warns of consequences for Tehran

Islamabad, April 12. Negotiations between the United States and Iran failed to yield an agreement after more than 20 hours of discussions in Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance said early on April 12, cautioning that Tehran’s refusal to accept Washington’s terms would hurt Iran more than the US.

Addressing reporters after the marathon talks, Vance said both sides engaged in substantive exchanges but were unable to bridge key differences.

“We have had a number of serious discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement,” he said.

The Vice President noted that US negotiators had clearly communicated Washington’s position, including its non-negotiable red lines and areas where flexibility was possible. However, Iran declined to accept the terms laid out by the American side.

Vance stressed that the central objective for Washington remains preventing Iran from developing the capability to produce nuclear weapons. He said the US was seeking an explicit and enduring commitment from Tehran not to pursue a nuclear arsenal or the technological means to rapidly achieve one.

“What we need is a clear, long-term commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon – not just now or in the near future, but permanently. We haven’t seen that yet, though we hope to,” he said.

Despite the outcome, Vance described the US approach during the negotiations as constructive and conducted in good faith under instructions from the President. He said the American delegation had shown flexibility and made sincere efforts to secure an agreement.

Throughout the talks, US officials remained in close contact with President Donald Trump and the broader national security team, with Vance noting multiple consultations over the course of the negotiations.

Vance confirmed that Washington has now tabled what it considers its “final and best offer” to Tehran, leaving the next move to the Iranian side.

The breakdown marks another setback in efforts to revive diplomatic engagement over Iran’s nuclear programme – an issue that has long strained relations between Washington and Tehran. Past negotiations have faltered over disagreements related to verification mechanisms, sanctions relief and the scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities.