US-Iran Peace Talks Collapse in Islamabad After 21-Hour Marathon
Quick Reads
- The US and Iran held their highest-level face-to-face meeting since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- The talks lasted 21 hours across Saturday and into early Sunday morning before ending without an agreement.
- Vice President JD Vance led the US delegation; Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf led Tehran’s side.
- Nuclear weapons, the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, and sanctions were among the main topics discussed.
- Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to uphold their ceasefire commitment and continue dialogue.
No Agreement After Historic Meeting
The US-Iran peace talks collapse in Islamabad has ended what many hoped would be a breakthrough moment. The United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement after highly anticipated face-to-face talks on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Washington’s lead negotiator, Vice President JD Vance, made the announcement before departing Pakistan.
The historic talks ended days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced on April 7. Vance boarded Air Force Two at 7:08 a.m. local time and departed Islamabad.
The Nuclear Weapon Sticking Point
The key demand that broke the talks was Iran’s nuclear programme. Vance told reporters the US required a clear, firm commitment from Tehran. He said the US needed Iran to commit that it would not seek a nuclear weapon or the tools to quickly achieve one.
He described the US position as its “final and best offer.” Vance said he had been in consistent communication with President Trump throughout. He also spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other senior officials during the negotiations.
Iran Pushes Back on US Demands
Tehran’s version of events differed sharply from Washington’s account. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said “excessive” US demands had hindered efforts to reach an agreement. Iranian state media said the ball was now in America’s court.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said no one had expected an agreement in a single session. He said Tehran was confident that contacts with Pakistan and regional partners would continue. Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed that discussions covered the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue, war reparations, the lifting of sanctions, and a complete end to the war.
Pakistan Calls for Ceasefire to Hold
Pakistan, which brokered the talks, urged both sides not to let diplomacy die. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the 21-hour session as intense and constructive. He called on both nations to maintain a positive spirit and work toward peace and prosperity across the region.
Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Dar, and Army Chief Asim Munir, facilitated the negotiations and acted as intermediaries throughout. The war began on February 28, when joint US-Israeli strikes targeted military and government sites inside Iran. More than 2,000 people have been killed since the conflict began, Al Jazeera reported.
