Islamabad, April 12, 2026 – US Vice President JD Vance confirmed Saturday that marathon negotiations with Iran in Pakistan ended without agreement, blaming Tehran’s refusal to renounce nuclear weapons and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The 21-hour session—first direct high-level contact since the six-week war—saw US demands for enriched uranium handover and unrestricted Hormuz shipping rejected. “Iran chose not to accept our final and best offer,” Vance told reporters, calling it “bad news” for Iran more than the US.
Core Sticking Points
- Nuclear Redline: Trump administration insisted on verifiable commitments against weaponization or rapid breakout capability; Iran signaled goodwill but demanded asset releases first.
- Hormuz Access: Vital for 20% global oil; prior blockade spiked prices—US floated tolls and allied patrols if talks fail.
- Lebanon Exclusion: US excluded it from truce; Israel continues strikes on Hezbollah.
Next Steps
Vance’s team—including Jared Kushner—departs; Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif hosted amid fragile ceasefire. Trump, at a UFC event, holds firm on “winner’s” terms; markets watch for escalation risks.
