US Vice President JD Vance described the collapse of talks with Iran as both good and bad news, following failed negotiations held in Islamabad. BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet reported that while the duration of the session was notable, the absence of any agreement was not surprising. Vance said Iran refused to accept US conditions, signaling a breakdown in efforts to reach a compromise.

According to Doucet, Iran entered the talks believing it still held leverage despite suffering major military losses, particularly due to its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. She noted that Iran has its own limits on what concessions it can make. The situation echoes the long and difficult process that preceded the last nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington a decade ago.

Doucet added that former President Donald Trump now faces a tough decision—either escalate the situation further or return to negotiations for a reassessment of the diplomatic path.