By Ayo Kehinde
High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran have ended in a deadlock after nearly 21 hours of intensive discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan, with both sides failing to bridge critical differences over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, confirmed the outcome shortly after the talks concluded, stating unequivocally that no agreement had been reached.
“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement,” Vance said, adding that the outcome reflects Washington’s firm position on the core issues under negotiation.
Central to the impasse was the United States’ demand for a clear and binding commitment from Iran that it would neither pursue nuclear weapons nor retain the capability to rapidly develop them. .
According to Vance, this requirement remains non-negotiable and aligns with the policy direction of President Donald Trump.
“The simple fact is we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon,” he stated.
Despite describing the U.S. approach as “flexible” and “accommodating,” Vance said Iran did not accept the terms presented during the negotiations.
He declined to provide specific details on where the discussions broke down but indicated that the absence of a long-term nuclear commitment from Tehran proved decisive.
Vance also noted that although there were claims regarding the destruction of Iran’s enrichment facilities, Washington remains unconvinced about Iran’s long-term intentions without verifiable guarantees.
The U.S. delegation included special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, underscoring the importance attached to the negotiations. Throughout the process, the team maintained close communication with President Trump and senior cabinet officials.
The outcome highlights the deep-seated mistrust that continues to define relations between Washington and Tehran, particularly on the issue of nuclear capability and verification. While both sides engaged in prolonged discussions, fundamental differences remained unresolved.
Although the talks ended without a breakthrough, neither side has announced a complete withdrawal from the negotiation process, suggesting that diplomatic engagement may continue in the future.
