U.S.-Iran Talks in Islamabad Conclude Without Agreement

By NPR Staff

*Published: 2026-04-12*


*Jacquelyn Martin/AP*

ISLAMABAD — Direct talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended on April 12, 2026, without an agreement, according to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who led the American delegation, and an Iranian Foreign Ministry statement.

Vance, speaking at a press conference before departing on Air Force Two, stated: "The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the U.S.... they have chosen not to accept our terms." He identified the primary issue as "an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon."

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, said in a post on X and a statement to Iranian state media that the two sides "reached an understanding on a number of issues, but ultimately the talks did not lead to an agreement." Baqaei noted that the discussions covered the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear issues, sanctions, reparations, and an end to hostilities involving Iran and the region. He added that complexities, including Iran's position on managing the Strait of Hormuz, made an agreement in one meeting unlikely from the outset, and that "the success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands."

The status of a two-week ceasefire, which began on April 8, 2026, and was brokered by Pakistan with Iran agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping under its military management, remains uncertain following the talks' conclusion. Vance indicated that the U.S. proposal remained on the table as a "final and best offer," leaving open the possibility of future agreement.

Pakistan, which hosted the 21-hour talks that began on April 11, affirmed its continued role in mediation efforts. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both parties to maintain the ceasefire.

The negotiations marked the first direct U.S.-Iran engagement since the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement, negotiated under the Obama administration and withdrawn from by the Trump administration in 2018. They represented the highest-level discussions since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The talks occurred amid a conflict that began on February 28, 2026, following a U.S.-Israeli airstrike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and others. The war has involved exchanges between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed groups over the past six weeks.

Trump's Comments and Silence

President Trump had not publicly commented on the talks' outcome as of Sunday evening, despite recent posts on Truth Social about unrelated matters. He attended a UFC event in Miami on April 11 with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Earlier that day, Trump stated, "We win, regardless" of the negotiations' result, adding, "we've totally defeated that country," according to reports.

Vance said he had maintained consistent contact with Trump during the talks.

Iranian Delegation Demands

Under its negotiation positions, Iran's delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reportedly sought an end to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah, the release of $6 billion in frozen assets, guarantees for its nuclear program described by Tehran as civilian and including uranium enrichment rights, and arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, including the ability to impose fees on transiting ships, according to Iranian statements.

The U.S. delegation, led by Vance and including Jared Kushner according to some reports, focused on nuclear restrictions and other security commitments.

Analyst Observations

Analysts described the meeting's occurrence as notable, given it followed weeks after the U.S.-Israeli strike that killed Khamenei. The Iranian delegation shared images on social media showing empty seats on their flight to Islamabad, marked with photographs and bloodied belongings of schoolchildren killed in a U.S. missile strike.


*Anjum Naveed/AP*

Ongoing Fighting Between Israel and Hezbollah

Ceasefire compliance has been complicated by continued Israel-Hezbollah hostilities in Lebanon. Israel's military reported striking more than 200 Hezbollah targets over the weekend. Hezbollah stated it conducted rocket, drone, and artillery attacks on Israel and Israeli forces in Lebanon.

Iran has warned of "strong responses" to violations. Trump indicated Israel would reduce its Lebanon operations, but strikes have persisted.

Lebanese officials announced that the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to Washington would meet Tuesday at the State Department to discuss a ceasefire and negotiation timeline.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a speech, cited accomplishments against Iran and Hezbollah, stating his objectives included disarming Hezbollah and securing a peace deal with Lebanon.

Lebanon's Prime Minister, in an Orthodox Easter message on April 12, expressed hope that the country could overcome threats and achieve stability, peace, and prosperity.


*Emilio Morenatti/AP*

U.S. Naval Activity in Strait of Hormuz

The talks coincided with the transit of two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers through the Strait of Hormuz on April 11, the first such passage by American warships since the conflict's start on February 28, according to a U.S. official who spoke to NPR.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated it had initiated preparations to clear Iranian sea mines from the strait to facilitate commercial shipping.

*Betsy Joles in Islamabad, D. Parvaz in Van, Turkey, Daniel Estrin in Tel Aviv, and Kate Bartlett in Johannesburg contributed to this report.*

*(Word count: 1084)*