Recent talks between the United States and Iran concluded without a final agreement, though negotiations have not collapsed. Despite extensive diplomatic efforts and multiple rounds of proposals and counterproposals, both sides remain divided on several critical issues. US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington has presented its “best and final offer” and is awaiting Tehran’s response.

The main sticking points include the US stance on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran views as a “maximum pressure tactic,” as well as disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and economic matters. Iran has also demanded the release of its frozen assets, making it a central issue in the discussions. Sources indicate that while some progress has been made, it has not reached a decisive stage.

An unconfirmed report suggested a possible understanding involving Israel, under which it might avoid strikes on Beirut while continuing operations in southern Lebanon. Overall, the diplomatic process continues, but uncertainty remains high after the talks ended without a concrete deal.

US Vice President J.D. Vance announced that after 21 hours of continuous negotiations, the United States and Iran failed to reach any agreement. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday morning, Vance said the US plans to leave Pakistan without a deal, describing the outcome as bad news. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s prime minister and field marshal for their significant role in facilitating the discussions.

According to Vance, the United States had clearly presented its key conditions to Iran, but Tehran did not accept them. Responding to questions about Iran’s nuclear program, he claimed that the country’s nuclear capability had been destroyed, though he emphasized the need for stronger assurances to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in the future.

Al Jazeera reported that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai rejected the US demands as excessive and illegal, asserting that the success of the talks depended on recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

Iran has indicated that its planned peace talks with the United States could still be canceled if Washington fails to meet Tehran’s preconditions. The information was reported by a journalist from Iran’s state news agency IRINN, based in Islamabad. Iranian officials reportedly view withdrawal from the talks as a form of ‘strong diplomacy’ if their national interests, demands, and red lines are not respected.

According to Iran’s state television, the government currently places the highest emphasis on its own conditions and a lack of trust toward Washington. The report suggests that Iran considers itself to be in a favorable position and may proceed with further steps even without the planned discussions if its demands are not fulfilled.

The situation underscores ongoing uncertainty surrounding the talks, with Iran signaling readiness to act independently should its preconditions remain unmet.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning against the passage of any military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement released by its naval branch and published by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC said any attempt by military ships to cross the waterway would face severe consequences. The statement emphasized that the IRGC holds full authority to monitor and control the strait with complete intelligence oversight.

According to the IRGC, only civilian vessels meeting specific conditions are currently permitted to navigate through the strait. The force also rejected a claim made earlier by the United States military that two of its warships had successfully passed through the area, calling the assertion baseless. The warning underscores Iran’s firm stance on maintaining control over one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.

The IRGC’s declaration signals heightened tension in the region, particularly regarding military navigation rights and the enforcement of Iran’s maritime restrictions.

The first phase of direct talks between delegations from Iran and the United States has concluded, according to a report by Al Jazeera citing a close source in Pakistan, which acted as a mediator. The discussions marked a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries, though no details of the agenda or outcomes were disclosed.

Following the conclusion of the initial round, both delegations exchanged written messages, the source said. The Iranian delegation has since departed Pakistan, where the talks were held. The report did not specify the content of the messages or the next steps in the negotiation process.

While the talks have ended for now, the completion of this first phase suggests that further discussions may follow, though no timeline or official statement has been released.

According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, discussions between Iranian and United States delegations have continued for more than four hours as of April 11, 2026. The report states that both sides took short breaks during the meeting for consultations and rest before resuming the talks. No official information has been released regarding the conclusion of the discussions.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, notes that it remains unclear whether the negotiations will extend further. The ongoing dialogue reflects continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries, though the specific agenda or outcomes have not been disclosed.

As of the latest update, neither side has provided details about progress or next steps, leaving the duration and results of the talks uncertain.

According to a source close to the Iranian delegation cited by Al Jazeera, the United States has agreed to return Iran’s seized funds or assets. The Iranian delegation joined the discussions following Washington’s decision to release the assets. The report indicates that this move fulfills one of the key demands in Iran’s ten-point plan.

Despite the reported agreement, there has been no official comment from Washington regarding the decision to return the assets. The discussions between the two sides were still continuing four hours after they began, according to the same report. The development comes amid broader regional tensions and diplomatic efforts involving both nations.

Further details about the timing or mechanism of the asset release were not disclosed in the report, leaving uncertainty about the next steps in the negotiation process.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed support for the Iranian delegation participating in the ongoing United States–Iran talks in Islamabad. In a post on his social media platform X, he stated that the delegation in Pakistan would negotiate courageously to protect the country’s interests. Pezeshkian emphasized that public service would continue uninterrupted regardless of the outcome of the discussions and that the government would remain by the people’s side.

The talks between the United States and Iran are being held in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as the mediator. The discussions come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations, with both sides engaging through intermediaries. The Iranian president’s statement signals confidence in his delegation’s approach and underscores Tehran’s commitment to safeguarding national priorities during the negotiations.

The continuation of the talks and the president’s remarks suggest that Iran aims to maintain a firm stance while engaging diplomatically through Pakistan’s mediation.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said a US destroyer moving from the UAE’s Fujairah port toward the Strait of Hormuz came under surveillance by Iran’s armed forces. The information was also shared with an Iranian negotiation team in Pakistan. At the same time, journalist Barak Ravid of Axios, citing US officials, reported that American warships had already crossed the strait, though Iran’s Tasnim news agency denied this through an unnamed official.

Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder data indicated that the US warship USS Michael Murphy departed Dubai’s Jebel Ali port and was near the western part of the Strait of Hormuz, with its listed destination as Singapore. The movement comes as Iran has declared it will not allow US or Israeli ships to pass through the strategic waterway.

The situation highlights rising maritime tensions in the region, with both sides issuing conflicting accounts of naval activity and Iran asserting control over transit permissions in the strait.

Representatives from Iran and the United States are engaged in direct discussions in Islamabad, according to Al Jazeera. The meeting, which began as a closed-door session, lasted about two hours before breaking for dinner and is expected to resume. Sources cited by the report described the talks as taking place in a positive environment.

Initially, the two sides were expected to participate in indirect negotiations, but the format shifted to direct talks in the presence of Pakistani officials, which observers consider a significant step forward. Iranian sources indicated that some changes have occurred regarding the release of the country’s frozen assets.

Al Jazeera noted that the process remains at an early stage, with limited verified information available. The situation continues to evolve as more details emerge from the ongoing discussions.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that if discussions with the United States take place in Islamabad, there is a possibility of reaching an understanding that could benefit both sides and the wider world. His remarks were shared in a statement on social media platform X, where he outlined Iran’s position ahead of potential talks.

The statement warned that if pro-Israel representatives are present in the discussions, no agreement would be possible. Aref added that in such a case, Iran’s defensive measures would continue with greater intensity, which could lead to higher costs for the global community. The comments came as Tehran issued a firm message before the talks, emphasizing its readiness to respond strongly if provoked.

The discussions in Islamabad are reportedly complicated by issues surrounding Iran’s assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, with the United Nations Secretary-General having called on both Iran and the United States to engage constructively.

Iran has sent a delegation to Islamabad for discussions aimed at ending ongoing hostilities but signaled a firm stance ahead of the talks. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the delegation’s presence shows Tehran’s willingness for dialogue, yet emphasized that Iran’s 'finger will remain on the trigger.' The statement was reported by Al Jazeera, citing Iran’s Mehr news agency.

Mohajerani stated that Iran believes in dialogue and rationality but does not trust the United States. She added that Tehran will not compromise on its sovereign rights and is participating in the talks with extreme caution. Analysts noted that the remarks reflect both Iran’s interest in negotiations and its deep mistrust, which could complicate the Islamabad discussions.

The talks are expected to address issues including Iran’s assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, though the firm tone from Tehran suggests limited room for concessions.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not yet fully recovered from serious injuries to his face and legs, according to a Reuters report. Despite his physical condition, he continues to participate in major decision-making, including ceasefire talks with Washington. Khamenei has not appeared in public or in any photos or videos since his appointment.

Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran’s Supreme Leader shortly after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint U.S. and Israeli attack. Reuters, citing three sources, reported that the attack also killed members of Mojtaba’s family, including his father, wife, and in-laws. The agency noted that these details could not be independently verified.

The report adds that discussions between Tehran and Washington are ongoing, focusing on ceasefire terms and regional issues, while tensions with Israel remain unresolved.

The United States and Iran have begun talks in Islamabad aimed at ending ongoing conflicts, according to a BBC report. Iranian state media IRINN reported that Tehran has warned the discussions could be canceled if its conditions are not met. Iranian officials stated that respecting Iran’s interests, demands, and red lines is essential, and that walking away from the talks could itself be seen as a form of success.

The report added that the Iranian delegation’s first meeting of the day was with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which the schedule for possible talks with US representatives was expected to be clarified. That meeting with Sharif has already taken place, according to the report.

Iranian state television emphasized Tehran’s conditions and lack of trust toward the United States, asserting that Iran holds a strong position in the negotiations and has the capacity to proceed without the talks if its terms are not fulfilled.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a conservative Iranian politician with a military background, is leading Iran’s delegation in potential talks with the United States in Pakistan on Saturday. Before the discussions began, he expressed both optimism and distrust, citing past failures and breaches of commitments in previous negotiations. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported his remarks upon arrival in Islamabad.

Born in 1961, Ghalibaf joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1980 and served as a commander during the Iran-Iraq war. He later became Tehran’s longest-serving mayor, holding the position for 12 years from 2005, credited for infrastructure projects but also facing allegations of financial irregularities. Since May 2020, he has served as the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament.

Ghalibaf has contested Iran’s presidential elections four times, finishing fourth in 2005, second in 2013, withdrawing in 2017, and placing third in the 2024 early election. Despite nationwide internet restrictions since February 28, his account on X (formerly Twitter) remains active.