No breakthrough in US-Iran talks, says JD Vance as ceasefire hangs by a thread

After three rounds of discussions that stretched into the early hours, Vance said Iran had “chosen not to accept” Washington’s terms.

“The President said we have to come in good faith and try to make a deal. Unfortunately, there was no headway,” he said.

US pushes for nuclear commitment

The US sought a clear and binding assurance from Tehran that it would not pursue or develop nuclear weapons in the future.

While Vance claimed Iran’s earlier enrichment facilities had been destroyed, he stressed that there was still no commitment from Iran to halt future nuclear development.

Donald Trump claims military victory

Hours after the talks, US President Donald Trump asserted that Washington had already achieved a military victory over Iran.

“We totally defeated that country,” Trump said, adding that Iran’s navy, air force, radar systems, and anti-aircraft capabilities had been neutralised.

He also claimed that Iran’s leadership had been eliminated.

Focus on Strait Of Hormuz

A key issue in the negotiations was the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route that remains largely blocked.

The US Navy has been conducting operations to clear sea mines in the strait, with Trump stating that the effort was being carried out to support global trade, including for countries such as China, Japan, and Germany.

Iran issues warning to military ships

Iran rejected US claims and issued a stern warning, saying foreign military vessels attempting to pass through the strait would be dealt with “severely.”

Tehran added that only civilian ships would be allowed limited passage under specific conditions.

Conflict continues to impact region

The war, which began on February 28, has killed thousands, disrupted global markets, and heightened instability across the Gulf region.

The Pakistan talks were among the highest-level diplomatic engagements between the US and Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but failed to produce a breakthrough.