The United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, ending a high-stakes negotiation aimed at easing tensions following recent military clashes. US Vice President J.D. Vance left Pakistan first, followed by the Iranian delegation, as both sides accused each other of causing the breakdown. Vance said Washington’s proposals were rejected by Tehran, particularly on nuclear and regional security issues, and described the US offer as a “final and best” one.

Iran’s state media, Press TV, blamed Washington’s “excessive demands” for the failure, citing sharp disagreements over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear rights, and other unresolved matters. Iranian negotiators claimed that US-imposed conditions disrupted the normal environment for dialogue.

The Islamabad meeting was arranged through Pakistan’s mediation after over a month of hostilities that began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched attacks in Iran, prompting Iranian strikes on Israeli and US bases in the region. Despite the collapse of this round, both sides had earlier indicated willingness to continue discussions.