{"id":35203,"date":"2026-04-12T11:28:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T08:28:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=35203"},"modified":"2026-04-12T14:38:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T11:38:20","slug":"us-and-iran-fail-to-reach-deal-after-high-stakes-peace-talks-in-pakistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/us-and-iran-fail-to-reach-deal-after-high-stakes-peace-talks-in-pakistan\/","title":{"rendered":"US and Iran fail to reach deal after high-stakes peace talks in Pakistan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>7 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement after high-level direct talks in Pakistan on April 11-12, 2026, marking a major setback in efforts to end their six-week war despite a fragile two-week ceasefire in place.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Negotiations in Islamabad brought senior officials from the warring sides together for rare face-to-face discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The U.S. delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance and included special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran\u2019s delegation was headed by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with more than 70 officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The talks, which lasted around 21 hours, ended without a deal as both sides remained divided on key issues, particularly Iran\u2019s nuclear program.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">US and Iran fail to agree on peace deal after 21 hours of talks.<br><br>\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@VP<\/a> Vance leaves Pakistan, saying US gave its \u201cfinal and best offer\u201d but Iran chose not to accept.<br><br>\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf7 Iran\u2019s Foreign Ministry said 2 to 3 major differences prevented an agreement.<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ueqVg2jC5d\">pic.twitter.com\/ueqVg2jC5d<\/a><\/p>\u2014 IRIA (@IRIA_Research) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/IRIA_Research\/status\/2043226643234218013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 12, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, confirmed that negotiations concluded without progress after Iran refused to accept core U.S. demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that\u2019s bad news for Iran much more than it\u2019s bad news for the United States of America,\u201d Vance said after leaving Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He added that Washington had made its position clear during the talks. \u201cWe need to see an affirmative commitment that [Iran] will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon,\u201d he said. \u201cThat is the core goal of the president of the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran also confirmed the breakdown in talks. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the failure was due to major disagreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cUltimately, the talks didn\u2019t result in an agreement,\u201d he said, citing a \u201cgap between our opinions over two or three important issues.\u201d<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"800\"><p lang=\"ur\" dir=\"rtl\">\u0646\u0627\u0626\u0628 \u0648\u0632\u06cc\u0631\u0627\u0639\u0638\u0645 \u0648 \u0648\u0632\u06cc\u0631\u0650 \u062e\u0627\u0631\u062c\u06c1 \u067e\u0627\u06a9\u0633\u062a\u0627\u0646\u060c \u0627\u0633\u062d\u0627\u0642 \u0688\u0627\u0631 \u06a9\u06cc \u0627\u06c1\u0645 \u0628\u0631\u06cc\u0641\u0646\u06af<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MIshaqDar50?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@MIshaqDar50<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ForeignOfficePk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@ForeignOfficePk<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/IslamabadTalks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IslamabadTalks<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PakPeaceDiplomacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#PakPeaceDiplomacy<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GuardiansOfPeace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#GuardiansOfPeace<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/USIranTalks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#USIranTalks<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/pOdPuD5fp4\">pic.twitter.com\/pOdPuD5fp4<\/a><\/p>&mdash; PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PTVNewsOfficial\/status\/2043170475879399748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 12, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Despite the outcome, Iranian officials downplayed expectations of a quick deal, noting that no agreement had been expected in a single round of negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThese negotiations were held after 40 days of imposed war and were held in an atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion. It is natural that we should not have expected from the beginning to reach an agreement within one meeting,\u201d Iran\u2019s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said. \u201cNo one expected that either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><br>Historic Direct US-Iran Engagement in Pakistan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Islamabad meeting marked the first high-level bilateral direct talks between the U.S. and Iran since 1979, a significant diplomatic shift after decades of indirect engagement through intermediaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pakistani officials, who facilitated the talks, had expressed optimism ahead of the meeting, noting that both sides arrived with full authority to negotiate. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier said he hoped the discussions would serve as a \u201cstepping stone toward durable peace in the region.\u201d However, deep mistrust and competing demands ultimately prevented a breakthrough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The talks took place under a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/us-suspends-bombing-of-iran-as-pakistan-secures-two-week-conditional-ceasefire\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ac0707\" class=\"has-inline-color\">two-week ceasefire proposed<\/mark><\/a> by the Pakistani PM Sharif and later announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which temporarily halted U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the collapse of negotiations, Pakistan urged both sides to maintain the ceasefire. \u201cIt is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire,\u201d Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, adding that Islamabad would continue efforts to facilitate further dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-talks-JDVance-Islamabad.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-talks-JDVance-Islamabad.jpg?resize=900%2C550&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"US Vice President JD Vance in Pakistan\" class=\"wp-image-35200\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-talks-JDVance-Islamabad.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-talks-JDVance-Islamabad.jpg?resize=300%2C183&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-talks-JDVance-Islamabad.jpg?resize=768%2C469&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>US Vice President JD Vance walks with Pakistan\u2019s Army Chief Asim Munir and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on April 11, 2026. (Image Credit: Jacquelyn Martin\/Reuters)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Neither Washington nor Tehran has clarified what will happen once the ceasefire period ends, raising concerns about a possible return to hostilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Key Disputes Remain Unresolved<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several major issues continued to divide the two sides. The United States has insisted on strict limits on Iran\u2019s nuclear program, while Iran has demanded sanctions relief, access to $27 billion in frozen revenues held abroad, and broader regional concessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tehran has also called for control over the Strait of Hormuz and a wider ceasefire that includes conflicts such as Lebanon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three main sticking points, according to two Iranian officials familiar with the talks, were the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz; the fate of nearly 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, and access to frozen financial assets<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The United States had demanded that Iran immediately reopen the strait to all maritime traffic. But Iran refused to relinquish leverage over the critical choke point for oil tankers, saying it would do so only after a final peace deal, according to the two Iranian officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Washington, however, has focused on ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway and preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Disagreements over these demands proved to be a central obstacle during the talks.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pakistan-iran-officials.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pakistan-iran-officials.jpg?resize=1016%2C678&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Iranian officials in Pakistan\" class=\"wp-image-35199\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pakistan-iran-officials.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pakistan-iran-officials.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pakistan-iran-officials.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pakistan-iran-officials.jpg?resize=589%2C392&amp;ssl=1 589w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pakistan-iran-officials.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Pakistan\u2019s Army Chief Asim Munir (left) walking alongside Iran\u2019s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iran&#8217;s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on April 10, 2026. (Image Credit: AP\/via X)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Strait of Hormuz Tensions Intensify<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint in the conflict. Iran has maintained a blockade of the vital shipping route, which handles around 20% of global energy supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the talks, the U.S. military said it had begun preparing for mine-clearing operations, with two destroyers transiting the strait. Iran\u2019s state media denied that any U.S. vessels had passed through the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disruption has already impacted global oil markets, pushing prices higher and raising concerns about long-term supply stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Separately, Saudi Arabia announced that its East-West oil pipeline had been restored to full capacity after recent attacks, allowing continued exports that bypass the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Lebanon Conflict<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ongoing fighting in Lebanon remains another major complication. Clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah forces have continued despite the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved potential direct talks with Lebanon, expected to begin next week in Washington. However, he has set strict conditions, including the dismantling of Hezbollah\u2019s weapons and a long-term peace agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lebanese officials have insisted that any negotiations must be preceded by a halt in Israeli strikes. Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri said, \u201cHow could you engage in meaningful discussions\u2026 while tens and hundreds of people are being killed or injured?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-peace-talks-Islamabad-2026.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-peace-talks-Islamabad-2026.jpg?resize=900%2C560&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad\" class=\"wp-image-35201\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-peace-talks-Islamabad-2026.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-peace-talks-Islamabad-2026.jpg?resize=300%2C187&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-peace-talks-Islamabad-2026.jpg?resize=768%2C478&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran as US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on April 12, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Image Credit: Reuters)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The continued violence risks undermining broader regional stability and complicating future U.S.-Iran negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tone of the talks reflected deep-seated distrust on both sides. Iranian officials pointed to past failed agreements, while U.S. leaders warned against what they described as stalling tactics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>President Donald Trump issued a sharp statement during the negotiations. \u201cThe Iranians don\u2019t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the World by using International Waterways,\u201d he said. \u201cThe only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vice President Vance also warned that the U.S. would not accept delays or manipulation in the process. \u201cIf they\u2019re going to try to play us, then they\u2019re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Uncertain Future<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the talks ended without an agreement, officials on both sides indicated that dialogue may continue. Iran said it remains open to further engagement, while Pakistan has pledged to keep mediating between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some limited progress was reportedly made during the discussions, including partial understanding on certain issues, but not enough to secure a deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the ceasefire still in place but no clear roadmap ahead, the situation remains fragile. The outcome of future negotiations could determine whether the conflict moves toward resolution or returns to escalation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Pakistan-Iran-flags-gas-field-bg.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"370\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Pakistan-Iran-flags-gas-field-bg.jpg?resize=690%2C370&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The U.S., Pakistan, and Iran flags with smoke and fire near the South Pars gas field in Iran's Bushehr Province, in the background\" class=\"wp-image-35104\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Pakistan-Iran-flags-gas-field-bg.jpg?w=690&amp;ssl=1 690w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Pakistan-Iran-flags-gas-field-bg.jpg?resize=300%2C161&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>The U.S., Pakistan, and Iran flags with smoke and fire near the South Pars gas field in Iran&#8217;s Bushehr Province, in the background. (Image Credit: IRIA AI Team\/Social Media)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For now, the collapse of the Islamabad talks highlights both the importance of direct engagement and the significant challenges that remain in achieving lasting peace.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement after high-level direct talks in Pakistan on April 11-12, 2026, marking a major setback in efforts to end their six-week war despite a fragile two-week ceasefire in place.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35204,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[124,44,1,125],"tags":[137,75,208,30,26,32,356,8,49,71,107,533,7,128],"class_list":["post-35203","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asia-pacific","category-middle-east","category-news","category-united-states","tag-asia","tag-conflict","tag-diplomacy","tag-iran","tag-israel","tag-lebanon","tag-middle-east","tag-pakistan","tag-peace","tag-politics","tag-sanctions","tag-south-asia","tag-u-s","tag-war"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/islamabad-talks-2026.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-99N","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35203","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35203"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35203\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35221,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35203\/revisions\/35221"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35204"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35203"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}