WANA (Apr 12) – In one of the most intense rounds of diplomacy between Tehran and Washington, 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad concluded without an agreement, underscoring deep divisions and what Iranian sources describe as maximalist demands from the United States.

 

According to information, the Iranian delegation was confronted with a set of new and contentious conditions raised by the U.S., including issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, and several other areas. A source close to the negotiating team stated that these demands were viewed as excessive and ultimately rejected by Tehran, adding:

 

“The Americans sought in negotiations what they failed to achieve through war.”

 

The talks, held in the aftermath of a 40-day military conflict and during a fragile ceasefire, took place in an atmosphere of deep mistrust. Despite this, the Iranian side reportedly put forward multiple initiatives and proposals in an effort to move the process forward. However, according to informed sources, a lack of flexibility from the U.S. side prevented any meaningful progress.

 

A source familiar with the discussions also claimed that the American delegation appeared to be looking for a pretext to leave the negotiating table. Some assessments suggest that Washington’s primary motivation may have been to repair its international standing rather than to reach a substantive agreement.

Iranian Delegation “Minab 168” Arrives in Islamabad for Potential Talks with the United States. Social media / WANA News Agency

Iranian Delegation “Minab 168” Arrives in Islamabad for Potential Talks with the United States. Social media / WANA News Agency

Summarizing the outcome, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson acknowledged limited areas of understanding but confirmed the overall failure of the talks:

 

“There was some level of mutual understanding on certain issues, but ultimately the negotiations did not lead to an agreement.”

 

He also noted that the addition of new topics—such as the Strait of Hormuz—further complicated the discussions, making a deal in a single round unrealistic from the outset.

 

On the U.S. side, officials offered a different narrative. The U.S. Vice President claimed that a “final and simplest proposal” had been presented to Iran, placing the responsibility for acceptance on Tehran.

Iran-U.S. Negotiations in Islamabad. Social media /WANA News Agency

However, Iranian sources maintain that the proposals were insufficient and argue that Washington continues to miscalculate—both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. As one informed source put it:

 

“Iran presented reasonable initiatives. The ball is now in the U.S. court to approach the situation with realism.”

 

For now, Iran has announced no plans for a new round of negotiations, emphasizing that it is under no pressure to rush back to talks. Officials have indicated that any shift in key issues—such as the status of the Strait of Hormuz—depends on a change in the U.S. approach and its willingness to accept a “balanced and reasonable” framework.

 

Meanwhile, Pakistani officials have signaled their intention to continue mediation efforts. The country’s foreign minister stated that Islamabad remains committed to facilitating dialogue and expressed hope that both sides will stay engaged in diplomacy.

 

With the Iranian delegation returning to Tehran and no immediate plans for further talks, the outcome highlights a persistent gap between the two sides and the absence of a clear path forward—leaving diplomacy facing serious and ongoing challenges.