US-Iran talks end without deal as JD Vance cites no breakthrough in Islamabad

High-level talks between the United States and Iran ended without an agreement on Sunday, April 12, after a full day of negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that discussions concluded without progress despite what he described as intensive engagement between both sides. He said the United States had already presented its “final and best offer” during the negotiations.

Vance emphasized that while talks were conducted in good faith, the proposal has not been accepted by Iran, leaving key issues unresolved.

Vance says nuclear focus shifts after facility destruction

According to Vance, Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have already been destroyed, shifting the primary focus of negotiations toward long-term commitments rather than immediate capabilities.

He said the United States is now seeking firm assurances that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons or the tools needed to develop them in the future.

“The simple fact is that 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,” Vance said.

He added that securing such guarantees remains the core objective of the U.S. administration moving forward.

Iran cites excessive demands as barrier to agreement

Iranian officials signaled a different perspective on why talks failed to yield results. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that “excessive demands” from the United States prevented both sides from reaching a common framework.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions over the past 24 hours covered a wide range of issues, including the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear concerns, sanctions relief, war reparations, and a complete end to regional hostilities.

Baghaei stressed that progress depends on mutual good faith, urging the United States to avoid what he described as unlawful requests and to recognize Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

The Islamabad meeting marked one of the highest-level engagements between the United States and Iran in decades, underscoring the significance of the diplomatic effort.

Vance also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating the talks, thanking its leadership for helping bring both sides to the negotiating table in hopes of advancing regional stability.