Talks in Islamabad have ended without a deal, with U.S. vice-president JD Vance saying Iran chose not to accept American terms, including a requirement that it not build nuclear weapons. Vance said the U.S. delegation was leaving Pakistan after failing to reach an agreement with Iran.
The outcome marks a setback in efforts to secure a deal after a round of negotiations that were watched closely for signs of progress. According to U.S. officials, the delegation’s departure came after it became clear that an agreement would not be reached.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of wider regional tensions linked to the war and the continuing disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials also claimed that Iran has been unable to find the mines it laid in the strait.
Separately, the UK is set to host a Strait of Hormuz meeting next week. The gathering will bring together multiple countries with the aim of restoring free movement of ships through the waterway, which has been blockaded by Iran since the start of the war and has caused serious damage to the global economy.
A British official told the Associated Press that the meeting will oppose Iran’s proposal to charge tolls for passage through the strait as part of ceasefire negotiations.
The latest developments leave the diplomatic process unresolved, with pressure continuing on all sides to address both the conflict and the impact on international shipping.
