U.S.-Iran talks end with no deal
· Axios
The U.S. and Iran didn't reach an agreement during marathon negotiations on Saturday in Pakistan.
Why it matters: The deadlock in the talks puts the two-week ceasefire agreed last week in limbo, with the possibility of renewed and escalating warfare.
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- According to a source briefed on the talks, some of the disagreements had to do with Iran's demand to control the Strait of Hormuz and refusal to give up on its enriched uranium stockpile.
What he's saying: Vice President Vance said the U.S. and Iran had "substantive discussions" over 21 hours but couldn't bridge the gaps.
- "This is bad news for Iran much more than this is bad new for the U.S.," he stressed. "We have made very clear what our red lines are…and they have chosen not to accept our terms."
- Vance said the U.S. wanted to a long-term "affirmative commitment" from Iran not to seek a nuclear weapon or the tools that would enable them to produce one quickly. "We haven't seen that yet, we hope that we will," he said.
- Vance claimed the U.S. was "quite flexible and accommodating" and negotiated "in good faith" but couldn't make significant progress.
- Immediately after the four-minute press conference, Vance departed Islamabad for Washington.
The other side: Several Iranian media outlets said after Vance's press conference that the talks failed because the U.S. side was not realistic and had "excessive demands."
Behind the scenes: The U.S. and Iranian delegations met over several rounds in multiple formats. The talks began on Saturday and ended in the early hours of Sunday local time.
- Vance said the U.S. negotiating team spoke with President Trump at least than half-a-dozen times during the day.
- They also spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and CENTCOM commander Amd. Brad Cooper.
Between the lines: No one expected a final agreement on Saturday, but the U.S. side hoped for sufficient momentum to keep negotiating, even if that meant extending the ceasefire.
- Vance's brief remarks conveyed little such optimism, though he did not say the U.S. was walking away.
What to watch: "We leave here with a very simple proposal. A method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We will see if the Iranians accept it," Vance said.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.