A high-stakes diplomatic push ends without agreement, raising uncertainty over ceasefire and global energy routes.
U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan ended without a deal after marathon negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance failed to resolve key disputes over Iran’s nuclear program.
Vance said Iran rejected core U.S. demands, including a firm commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. He described the outcome as a bigger setback for Iran than for the United States, stressing that Washington’s “red lines” remain unchanged.
Iranian officials downplayed the breakdown, saying no agreement was expected in a single meeting. Tehran blamed “excessive” U.S. demands and expressed confidence that diplomatic contacts would continue through regional partners, including Pakistan. The talks, held in Islamabad, marked the first direct high-level engagement between the U.S. and Iran in over a decade.
The failure to reach a deal casts doubt over the fragile 14-day ceasefire involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel.
It also raises concerns about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that is responsible for approximately 20% of the world’s energy supply. Tensions around the waterway have already driven oil prices higher.
Pakistan, which hosted and mediated the talks, has urged both sides to maintain the ceasefire and return to negotiations in the coming days.
With no agreement in place, the risk of renewed conflict and prolonged economic disruption remains high.