US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad conclude without agreement

Negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their ongoing conflict concluded in Islamabad on Sunday without a final agreement. The discussions, which lasted 21 hours, failed after Iran rejected six key demands set by the White House, including the cessation of uranium enrichment, the dismantling of nuclear facilities, and the cessation of support for specific regional groups. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance described the American proposal as his country's final and best offer, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Washington failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation. Iran characterized the U.S. conditions as unreasonable and dictatorial, despite presenting its own forward-looking initiatives. The talks were mediated by Pakistan, which has urged both parties to maintain the two-week ceasefire that began on Wednesday, April 8. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif criticized the U.S. approach, arguing that dictated terms would not lead to diplomatic success. As of now, both delegations have departed Islamabad to return to their respective countries.