US and Iran End Talks Without Reaching Agreement in Pakistan

US-Iran Talks in Islamabad End Without Agreement

A high-level meeting between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, has concluded without an agreement. Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation, stated that Iran refused to accept Washington’s terms after 21 hours of negotiations.

Vance said that the US is seeking a “fundamental commitment” from Iran not to develop nuclear weapons. He emphasized the need for an affirmative statement that Iran will not pursue a nuclear weapon and will not seek tools to quickly achieve one.

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that no one had expected the talks to reach an agreement in a single session. The ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said that Tehran was confident contacts with other countries in the region would continue.

Al Jazeera correspondents reported that the main sticking points between the two sides were the Strait of Hormuz and gaps in the nuclear issue. The US is demanding that Iran pledge not to develop nuclear weapons and not attempt to access tools necessary for such development.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on both countries to uphold their commitment to a ceasefire and continue efforts towards achieving durable peace.

Source: Al Jazeera