US–Iran talks stalled over 5-year vs 20-year nuclear freeze dispute
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Negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad hit a major roadblock after both sides failed to agree on the duration of a proposed halt to Tehran’s uranium enrichment programme.
According to reports by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, Iran offered to suspend uranium enrichment for up to five years, while the administration of Donald Trump insisted on a 20-year freeze.
The disagreement marked a shift from Washington’s earlier demand for a permanent end to Iran’s enrichment activities. Despite the gap, officials indicated that talks remain ongoing, with discussions underway about a possible second round of meetings.
The Islamabad talks, held at the Serena Hotel, were the first direct engagement between the two sides in more than a decade and the highest-level contact since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Delegations, including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, negotiated across separate rooms with Pakistani mediators facilitating discussions.
The meeting lasted over 20 hours, with officials describing moments of both optimism and tension. One source said the two sides came “very close” to an agreement before disagreements over guarantees, sanctions relief, and the scope of the deal derailed progress.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly questioned US assurances during the talks, citing past instances where diplomacy did not prevent military action.
Apart from the nuclear issue, key sticking points included reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing international sanctions on Tehran.
While Washington focused on limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities and restoring shipping through the strait, Tehran sought a broader agreement covering sanctions and security guarantees.
Despite the impasse, US officials said engagement with Iran continues. Trump said Tehran had reached out expressing interest in a deal, while the White House reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains its core objective.
Officials said there is cautious optimism that further negotiations could take place before the ceasefire deadline, with diplomacy still seen as a possible path forward.