US Vice President JD Vance announced that 21 hours of intensive negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in the Pakistani capital without a final agreement.
The "Islamabad Talks," which ran from Saturday afternoon through Sunday, focused on Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking at a press conference following the sessions, Vance noted that while the length of the discussions was a positive sign of engagement, significant deadlocks remain.
"We have talked for 21 hours and addressed several critical issues—that is the good news," Vance told reporters. "The bad news is, we have not yet reached an agreement."
Vance emphasized that the US has set clear boundaries regarding its security interests. According to the Vice President, the Iranian delegation declined to accept specific conditions laid out by the American team.
The primary point of contention remains a verifiable commitment to non-proliferation. Vance stated the US seeks a guarantee that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons or acquire the capabilities to produce them rapidly.
"The real question is whether Iran will show a long-term commitment to peace," Vance said. "We have not seen that commitment yet, but we hope to see it in the future."
At the start of his briefing, Vance praised Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for their hospitality and mediation efforts. He clarified that the lack of a breakthrough was not due to the host nation.
"Pakistan has sincerely tried to help narrow the gap between the United States and Iran," Vance added, noting that the host's diplomatic efforts were instrumental in facilitating the dialogue.
