The United States has stepped away from high-stakes negotiations with Iran after failing to reach a deal aimed at ending escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Talks held in Pakistan stretched for more than 20 hours but ended without agreement, despite what officials described as extensive discussions between both sides.
US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, confirmed the negotiations had concluded without a breakthrough, with key differences proving too difficult to resolve.
Major sticking points included demands around Iran’s nuclear programme, control of strategic waterways, and broader security concerns, with both sides unable to find common ground.
The collapse of the talks has raised uncertainty around a fragile ceasefire that had been in place, with fears tensions in the region could escalate again.
Iranian officials have reportedly criticised the US position, while American negotiators maintain a final proposal was put forward but not accepted.
The negotiations marked one of the most significant direct engagements between the two nations in decades, but the lack of agreement highlights the ongoing challenges in resolving the conflict.
Attention now turns to whether further talks will be attempted, as international concern grows over the risk of renewed instability in the region.
