After a night of restlessness and tension in Islamabad, high-level discussions between Iranian and US officials concluded without a breakthrough, as reported by 11 sources familiar with the negotiations. Despite the lack of agreement, dialogue remained active following the weekend meeting, which marked the first direct encounter between the two countries in over a decade and the most significant engagement since Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Held at the upscale Serena Hotel in Islamabad, the talks were divided into separate wings for the US and Iranian delegations, with a common area for trilateral meetings involving Pakistani mediators. Key issues included the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and international sanctions on Tehran.
During the negotiations, delegates, including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, had to step out to use their phones since they were not allowed in the main room. While there was optimism for a breakthrough at some point, the mood shifted abruptly, according to a Pakistani government source.
Although the atmosphere was initially tense and unfriendly, it showed signs of improvement by early Sunday morning, with discussions of a possible one-day extension. However, differences persisted, particularly regarding the US’s aim to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and Iran’s concerns about US intentions.
Efforts to resolve the issues have continued post-meeting, with ongoing conversations between mediators and the Americans. Despite challenges, both sides have incentives to consider de-escalation, given the domestic unpopularity of US strikes and the economic impact of Iran’s actions on global energy supplies.
The discussions in Islamabad aimed to pave the way for a long-term settlement following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that halted a six-week conflict. Central to the dispute is the belief that Iran seeks a nuclear bomb, a claim denied by Iran. The US emphasized demands for Iran to end uranium enrichment, dismantle nuclear facilities, and agree to broader peace terms, while Iran sought sanctions relief and other assurances.
Throughout the lengthy talks, there were moments of progress and setbacks, with tensions occasionally flaring. The negotiations extended for over 20 hours, with hotel staff on standby to facilitate the discussions. Disagreements arose over various issues, including the scope of the deal and trust between the parties.
As discussions neared their conclusion, the US delegates appeared more active in moving between rooms compared to the Iranians. Despite the impasse, there were indications that further exchanges might be possible, with VP Vance presenting a final proposal for consideration by the Iranians.