Bad News! Agreement not reached with Iran, says Vance
US Vice President JD Vance said on Sunday that the US had not been able to reach an agreement with Iran, even after 21 hours of “substantive discussions” under the umbrella of the ‘Islamabad Talks’, mediated by Pakistan, which commenced on Saturday afternoon.
He was addressing a press conference in Islamabad after the direct talks between high-level delegations from the two countries, a historic first in several decades, stretched into a second day on Sunday.
“We have been at it now for 21 hours, and we have had a number of substantive discussions, that’s the good news,” said Vance. “The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement,” he added.
“We have made very clear what our red lines are, what things we are willing to accommodate them on and what things we are not willing to accommodate them on,” said the US vice president, adding that the Iranian delegation had “chosen not to accept our terms”.
Key points from Vance’s press conference
JD Vance said US-Iran talks in Islamabad lasted 21 hours but ended without an agreement.
The US insisted on guarantees that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons, which Tehran refused to accept.
Both sides held “substantive discussions” and exchanged proposals on issues like sanctions, nuclear policy, and regional conflict.
Iran said progress depends on US “good faith” and recognition of its rights, including sanctions relief and access to funds.
Pakistan was praised by both sides for mediating despite the deadlock.
US, Iran delegations depart Islamabad; both sides reached understanding on several points, but “views far apart” on two to three issues.
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