US and Iran end marathon ceasefire talks in Pakistan without agreementwithout agreement
US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf led delegations in over 21 hours of direct talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 12, 2026, aimed at ending a six-week war and solidifying a fragile two-week ceasefire. The negotiations collapsed early Sunday when Iran rejected US demands, including halting uranium enrichment, dismantling nuclear facilities, ending support for regional militias, and fully opening the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides departed without a deal, leaving the ceasefire in doubt amid ongoing Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The failure raises risks of renewed fighting in a conflict disrupting global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and involving US allies like Israel. Pakistan urged both nations to maintain the existing ceasefire, while US officials called their offer Iran's 'final' chance and Iranian media labeled US demands unreasonable. Markets watch closely as Trump administration signals potential blockades if tensions escalate.
US Perspective
Iran chose not to accept clear US red lines on nuclear development, including ending uranium enrichment and dismantling facilities, as well as ceasing funding for groups like Hezbollah and opening the Strait of Hormuz. Vice President Vance described the outcome as worse for Iran than the US and emphasized firm commitments against nuclear weapons as non-negotiable. The delegation left after presenting a final offer.
Iranian Perspective
The US failed to earn the trust of the Iranian delegation with unreasonable demands that blocked progress after 21 hours of intensive talks. Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf noted prerequisites like unfreezing Iranian assets and a Lebanon ceasefire were not met. State media said the American side's positions prevented protecting Iran's national interests.
- Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, sits at the foot of the Margalla Hills, historically a Silk Road crossroads.
- JD Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' topped bestseller lists and inspired a 2024 film adaptation.
- Ghalibaf flew combat missions as an IRGC pilot during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
