Twenty-one hours of back and forth leave US and Iran far apart
Twenty-one hours of back and forth leave US and Iran far apart
Following a tense 21-hour negotiation in Islamabad, US Vice-President JD Vance returned to Washington without securing a significant resolution to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The discussions, held in the Pakistani capital, marked one of the most intense diplomatic engagements between the two nations in recent years. However, the talks did not yield substantial progress on core disagreements, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program and its enriched uranium. A US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the two sides failed to reach a consensus on the issue, leaving key points unresolved.
The dispute also extended to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a matter that has been a top focus for former President Donald Trump. Additionally, Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas remained a contentious issue. Vance presented Tehran with a final proposal on Saturday, though the specifics were not disclosed. Despite the extended negotiations, the talks were described as both challenging and cordial, with exchanges of constructive ideas. The US official stated that Vance left the meeting believing Iran was exaggerating its demands but still optimistic about a potential agreement.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed confidence in reaching a deal, provided the US “abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation.” In contrast, Trump voiced frustration over the stalled talks, declaring on social media that the US would “blockade the strait effective immediately” to compel Iran into negotiations. The US military also announced plans to halt all maritime traffic through Iranian ports starting Monday. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed Trump’s aggressive stance, stating in a statement upon returning home:
“If you fight, we will fight, if you come forward with logic, we will respond with logic. We will not submit to any threat. If they test our resolve once more, we will teach them an even greater lesson.”
The prolonged talks tested Vance’s diplomatic skills, as he was tasked with navigating the complexities of Trump’s second term. At 41 years old, Vance’s approach to the crisis was scrutinized, especially given his public support for the war and private doubts about the military campaign. Trump’s mixed signals during the negotiations, including joking that he would take credit if a deal succeeded and blame Vance if it failed, added to the uncertainty. As the two-week ceasefire agreement neared its deadline, the standoff between the US and Iran continued to deepen, with both sides remaining far apart on critical issues.
Trump’s presence in Miami, where he watched a UFC event alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighted the lack of direct involvement in the talks. This contrasted with Vance’s efforts in Islamabad, as the administration’s strategy and messaging were closely analyzed for hints about future policies. With the clock ticking and a breakthrough seeming increasingly unlikely, the path to a full resolution of the conflict remains uncertain.