Diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran have collapsed following 21 hours of intensive talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. US Vice President JD Vance departed for Washington "empty-handed," prompting immediate mockery from Iran.
Islamabad Talks Collapse After 21 Hours
Vice President JD Vance led the US delegation in negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions and securing a resolution to the protracted conflict with Iran. Despite extensive discussions, both sides confirmed that no agreement was reached. Vance stated that while there were "substantive discussions," Iran ultimately "chosen not to accept our terms."
Washington's core demand centered on a clear commitment from Iran to abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons. Vance emphasized the need for an "affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and that they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon."
Iran Mocks US, Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed
Hours after the talks concluded without a deal, Iran's embassy in Ghana took to social media platform X to openly mock the United States. The embassy posted, "The US flew their Vice President halfway across the world to Islamabad. 21 hours of talks. They demanded everything they couldn't achieve through war. Iran said a BIG NO." The post further declared, "The talks are over. The Strait is still closed. And the VP is flying home empty-handed. Just Iran's word. Again. They don't have any option left to save face."
Tehran Cites "Excessive Demands"
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, confirmed the failure of the talks, noting that discussions had encompassed critical issues including the status of the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear program, sanctions relief, and an end to the war. Baqaei stressed that the success of diplomacy hinges on "the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests."
Iranian state media, citing sources close to the negotiations, reported that the US had made "excessive demands" regarding the Strait of Hormuz, attempting to achieve through negotiation what it had failed to secure through military means during the conflict.