‘Bad news for Iran’: JD Vance flags nuclear deadlock as Islamabad peace talks falter

Have diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions between Iran and the United States stalled once again? The outcome of Pakistan-mediated talks in Islamabad appears unpromising, with US Vice President and chief negotiator JD Vance confirming on Sunday that Washington is heading home “without a deal” after Tehran refused to accept key American conditions on its nuclear programme.

Speaking after nearly 21 hours of negotiations, Vance declined to share specifics, saying the US would not “negotiate in public” after extensive closed-door discussions. He acknowledged some progress, describing parts of the talks as substantive, but stressed that the failure to secure an agreement was “bad news for Iran” more than for the US.

“The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon,” Vance said, adding that Washington had presented what it considers its “final and best offer” and had been “very flexible” during the negotiations.

The latest round of diplomacy follows a six-week conflict between the two sides that was paused by a fragile, Pakistan-brokered ceasefire. However, tensions have remained high, particularly after Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon, arguing the truce did not extend there.

Iran’s response underscored deep mistrust. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran has not forgotten past US “breaches of promises,” adding that any progress depends on Washington showing seriousness, goodwill, and avoiding what Iran calls excessive or unlawful demands.

Baqaei said the negotiations covered a wide range of contentious issues, including the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear rights, sanctions relief, war reparations, and a broader end to hostilities in the region. He maintained that Iranian negotiators remain committed to defending the country’s interests.

Earlier Iranian state media reports suggested disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz were a key factor behind the deadlock, with uncertainty lingering over whether further rounds of talks will take place.