Efforts to broker an end to the ongoing Middle East conflict suffered a setback on Sunday as Iran and the United States failed to reach an agreement following prolonged negotiations in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
United States Vice President JD Vance, who led Washington’s delegation, disclosed that talks ended without a breakthrough after nearly a full day of discussions, adding that a “final and best offer” had been presented to Tehran.
According to Vance, the US is seeking firm assurances that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons, a condition he said remains unmet despite the high-level engagement — the most significant between both countries in decades.
He, however, indicated that the offer would remain open for consideration, even as Washington recently announced a temporary pause in hostilities with Israel to allow room for diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan, which facilitated the meeting, urged both sides to sustain dialogue and respect the ongoing ceasefire, pledging continued support for peaceful engagement.
Iranian authorities, on their part, attributed the deadlock to what they described as excessive demands from the American side. However, officials acknowledged that reaching a comprehensive deal within a single round of talks, after weeks of hostilities, was unlikely.
The conflict, which erupted on February 28 following joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, has since escalated tensions across the Middle East, with significant global economic implications.
Negotiations were reportedly marked by deep mistrust, with both sides maintaining firm positions on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security concerns.
A major sticking point remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Iran’s control of the waterway during the conflict has disrupted supply chains and driven up oil prices, intensifying pressure on global markets.
While the US military has moved to secure the passage for commercial shipping, Iranian authorities have denied any foreign naval presence and warned against potential incursions.
Meanwhile, Iran has demanded the lifting of sanctions and an end to hostilities involving its regional allies as part of any comprehensive agreement — conditions Washington has yet to accept.
Despite the impasse, diplomatic efforts are expected to continue, with stakeholders expressing cautious optimism that further engagement could yield progress.
The situation remains fluid, with parallel tensions in Lebanon adding another layer of complexity to the broader regional crisis.
