US-Iran Talks Fail in Islamabad as Iran Refuses to Renounce Nuclear Weapons
Image: Al-Sharq

US-Iran Talks Fail in Islamabad as Iran Refuses to Renounce Nuclear Weapons

12 April, 2026.Iran.15 sources

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. and Iran failed to reach a deal after 21 hours in Islamabad.
  • Iran refused to renounce developing a nuclear weapon.
  • Disagreements centered on two or three major issues preventing agreement.

Talks End Without Deal

Vice President JD Vance announced that the bad news was that we have not reached an agreement.

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The key sticking point was Iran's unwillingness to give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said there was no expectation of a deal in one session.

Pakistan's foreign minister urged both sides to continue to uphold the ceasefire.

Divergent Death Toll Reports

The death toll from the conflict remained a point of contention.

The U.S.-based rights group HRANA put the total number of people killed at almost 3,400.

Image from BBC
BBCBBC

More than 2,000 people had been killed in Lebanon, and 23 people had died in Israel.

Thirteen U.S. service members had been killed, and two more died of noncombat causes.

The talks took place amid a fragile ceasefire that was made even more shaky by Israel's continued strikes on Lebanon.

Strait of Hormuz and Energy

Iran demanded the right to control the strait.

The U.S. began mine-clearing operations to reopen the key shipping lane.

Saudi Arabia restored its East-West oil pipeline to full capacity.

The economic impact of the war was felt globally.

Pakistan's Mediatory Role

Pakistan played a central mediatory role throughout the process.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had called for an immediate ceasefire.

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CNNCNN

The Pakistani foreign minister and military chief greeted the Iranian delegation.

After the talks ended, Ishaq Dar expressed deep gratitude to Iran and the U.S.

Pakistan hopes the two sides continue with a positive spirit.

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