Iran-US Ceasefire Talks Collapse After Marathon Islamabad Negotiations

The breakdown comes at a critical time for regional stability and global markets, as key flashpoints like the strategic Strait of Hormuz remain central to the ongoing dispute.

RMN News Political Desk
New Delhi | April 12, 2026

ISLAMABAD — High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at securing a ceasefire and a broader diplomatic framework ended without an agreement on Sunday after an intense 21-hour marathon session in Islamabad. US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, confirmed that negotiators would return home empty-handed after failing to bridge deep-seated differences with Tehran.

“We have been at it for 21 hours, and we had several discussions with Iranians; we have not reached an agreement,” Vance told reporters, identifying Iran’s nuclear programme as the primary sticking point. He emphasized that the “core goal” of the United States remains securing an “affirmative commitment” from Iran that they will not seek nuclear weapons or the tools to develop them quickly. Vance characterized the failure as “bad news for Iran more than it is bad news for the USA”.

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In response, Iran’s foreign ministry criticized the US for what it termed “excessive demands and unlawful requests”. Iranian spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that while the discussions covered a wide range of issues—including the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, and the lifting of sanctions—the success of the process depends on Washington showing “good faith” and recognizing Iran’s “legitimate rights”. The ministry further described diplomacy as a “continuation of the sacred jihad” for the protection of Iranian land, citing a history of American “breaches of promise”.

The talks, which were mediated by Pakistan, represent a significant but stalled diplomatic effort following a period of intense military confrontation that recently pushed the region to the brink of wider conflict. Despite the current impasse, both nations indicated that diplomacy remains on the table. Iranian authorities suggested negotiations would continue “despite some remaining differences,” while observers note that neither side has walked away from the table entirely.

The breakdown comes at a critical time for regional stability and global markets, as key flashpoints like the strategic Strait of Hormuz remain central to the ongoing dispute. According to the sources, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether this impasse leads to further escalation or a renewed push for compromise.