US–Iran Talks Stall With No Breakthrough on Middle East Conflict — Vance

US Vice President JD Vance (R) speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran, as US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner (L) and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff (C) watch, in Islamabad on April 12, 2026. (Photo by Jacquelyn MARTIN / POOL / AFP)

Negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the ongoing Middle East conflict have ended without an agreement, according to US Vice President JD Vance.

Speaking after extended talks in Islamabad, Vance said Washington had presented what he described as its “final and best offer” to Tehran, but no consensus was reached. He noted that the United States is seeking firm assurances that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons, adding that such commitments have not yet been secured.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) speaks with US Vice President JD Vance during their meeting amid the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad on April 11, 2026. (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin / POOL / AFP)

Iranian state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that discussions stalled due to what it described as “unreasonable demands” from the US side. However, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson indicated that a single round of talks was unlikely to resolve a conflict that has lasted several weeks.

The negotiations, hosted by Pakistan, come amid heightened tensions following the outbreak of conflict after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Tehran’s response has contributed to broader instability across the region and disruptions in global markets.

This handout photograph taken on April 11, 2026 and released by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Office shows Pakistan’s Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (R), Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (2R), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (3R) during their meeting with Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (4L) and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (2L) prior to the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad.  (Photo by Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office / AFP)

Despite the lack of agreement, Vance signaled that diplomatic efforts remain open, with a temporary pause in hostilities still in place to allow for further engagement. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country would continue to facilitate dialogue and urged both parties to maintain the ceasefire.

Key sticking points in the negotiations include Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and regional security issues. Iran has called for the unfreezing of its assets and an end to Israeli military actions in Lebanon, while the United States has maintained that some of these issues fall outside the scope of the current talks.

US Vice President JD Vance (C) shakes hands with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar (3rd R), as Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (L), Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir (centre R) and Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad Natalie A. Baker (2nd R) look on, as he prepares to board Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad on April 12, 2026.  (Photo by Jacquelyn MARTIN / POOL / AFP)

Tensions have also centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. Iran has asserted control over the passage during the conflict, contributing to rising oil prices. The US military has indicated efforts to secure the route for commercial shipping, though Iranian forces have disputed the presence of American warships in the area.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said during the talks that Washington had already achieved key military objectives, suggesting that a diplomatic deal was not essential from the US perspective.

The Islamabad meeting, which lasted nearly a full day, brought together senior officials from both sides, including Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (front L), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (front C) and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrive for a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance prior to the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad on April 11, 2026.  (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin / POOL / AFP)

While no agreement has been reached, diplomatic channels remain open, with further talks expected as international pressure mounts to de-escalate the conflict.

 Lebanon violence

Ghalibaf, speaking shortly after landing in Pakistan, made clear that Iran remained highly suspicious of the United States.

“Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises,” Ghalibaf said

US Vice President JD Vance waves as he boards Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad on April 12, 2026.  (Photo by Jacquelyn MARTIN / POOL / AFP)

Vance said before leaving for Pakistan that if Iran was willing, the United States would “negotiate in good faith” but would not be receptive “if they’re going to try to play us”.

A major complicating factor has been Israel’s assertion that the ceasefire does not affect Lebanon, where the Israeli military has launched massive strikes and a ground invasion in response to fire from Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shia Muslim movement.

Lebanese authorities said Israeli strikes on the country’s south on Saturday killed 18 people, bringing the death toll from Israel’s operations since the war broke out past 2,000.

Israel and Lebanon will hold their own talks next week in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that he wanted a peace deal with Lebanon that “will last for generations”.

But Israel has ruled out a ceasefire with Hezbollah, signalling it will instead seek to pressure the historically weak central government in Beirut.

Source