Washington: Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have collapsed without agreement, with US Vice President J. D. Vance confirming the failure and announcing the US delegation’s return.
Following the breakdown, US President Donald Trump signalled possible military escalation against Iran. He indicated that the US could impose a naval blockade and resume airstrikes. Trump also reposted an article from the website “Just the News” outlining potential US actions if negotiations failed, which is being viewed as a warning to Iran.
According to the report, if Iran refuses to accept US proposals, Washington may consider large-scale military action. The US is also said to be planning sanctions similar to those imposed on Venezuela. Trump had earlier warned of severe consequences for Iranian cities.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the talks ended without agreement due to differences on three key issues. Iran rejected US demands to completely end its control over the Strait of Hormuz and to halt uranium enrichment. There was also no agreement on ending Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Iran said the talks were held in an atmosphere of distrust but maintained that diplomatic options remain open. It stated that any agreement must protect its national interests. No timeline has been announced for resuming negotiations.
Iranian media, including Tasnim News Agency, reported that Tehran is not in a hurry to restart talks and that responsibility now lies with the US. Iran maintains that it made reasonable demands and that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will not change unless a fair agreement is reached.
The negotiations followed a temporary ceasefire mediated by Pakistan after escalating conflict in the region. Over 21 hours, five rounds of talks were held, but failed to produce a breakthrough.
The current crisis escalated after joint attacks by the US and Israel on Iran began on February 28. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iran on US military bases and Israeli targets.
Iran subsequently imposed restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for over 20% of global oil trade, worsening the global oil situation. Meanwhile, Israel expanded attacks in Lebanon under the pretext of targeting Hezbollah.
Despite the ceasefire announcement last week, continued hostilities and failed negotiations have pushed the situation back toward escalation, with no clarity on the next round of talks.