WASHINGTON — The United States and Iran concluded a third day of intensive negotiations in Pakistan on Tuesday without reaching a peace agreement, marking another setback in diplomatic efforts to ease longstanding tensions between the two nations. Vice President JD Vance accused Iran of rejecting U.S. terms, while Iranian officials countered that they never expected a breakthrough at this initial meeting.
The talks, held in Islamabad under the auspices of Pakistani mediators, represented the first direct discussions between the two countries in years. U.S. officials had reportedly proposed a framework for reducing regional hostilities and addressing nuclear concerns. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said in a statement that Tehran “was not prepared to make concessions under pressure” and emphasized the need for “mutual respect and guarantees.”
Analysts suggest the impasse underscores the deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran, complicating efforts to de-escalate conflicts in the Middle East. “Both sides entered these talks with low expectations, and the outcome reflects entrenched geopolitical realities,” said Amin Saikal, a Middle East expert at the Australian National University.
While the negotiations failed to yield tangible results, some officials expressed cautious optimism about future discussions. A State Department spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that “dialogue will continue through back channels” in the coming months. However, with both nations facing domestic pressures and regional rivalries intensifying, the path to a lasting agreement remains uncertain.