INTERNATIONAL — April 12, 2026

US-Iran Talks in Islamabad End Without Agreement

US-Iran direct talks in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan and led by Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, ended without agreement after 21 hours, with Iran's nuclear program a major sticking point. Both sides traded accusations while expressing intent to pursue further diplomacy.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Pajhwok — corroborated by Ariana News, RTA, Amu TV and 2 more2 min read

US-Iran Talks in Islamabad End Without Agreement
Image courtesy Pajhwok

ISLAMABAD (Afghan Verified) -- Direct talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, concluded without an agreement after 21 hours of discussions, according to US Vice President JD Vance.

Vance, who led the US delegation, said Iran rejected key demands, including a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accused the US of lacking good faith and engaging in extortion, vowing to protect national interests by all means.

The talks, mediated by Pakistan, marked the highest-level in-person engagement since Iran's 1979 Revolution, according to reports cited by Amu TV. Key points of contention included Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, per the New York Times as reported by Amu TV.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met separately with Vance and the Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, expressing hope for de-escalation and regional stability.

Amu TV, citing the New York Times, reported the talks followed recent US-Israel attacks that killed former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, prompting a temporary two-week ceasefire. Both sides acknowledged ongoing differences but expressed willingness to continue diplomacy, potentially through technical teams.

No other outlets confirmed the attacks or ceasefire details.

Read the original reporting at Pajhwok

Reliability assessment

Corroborated by 6 outlets; core event of US-Iran talks in Islamabad ending without agreement directly attributed to on-record statements by named officials US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei.

The source language reads straight.

Across the newsrooms

Where reports agree

  • US-Iran direct talks occurred in Islamabad with Pakistan mediation
  • Highest-level engagement since 1979 Revolution
  • JD Vance led US delegation
  • Iranian Parliament Speaker led Iranian side
  • No agreement reached
  • Nuclear program a major sticking point

Where reports differ

  • Background of US-Israel attacks killing Khamenei and Strait closure (only Amu TV)
  • Exact duration: 21 hours (Hurriyat, Pajhwok) vs. several rounds (Amu TV)
  • Talks fully ended vs. continuing via intermediaries/technical teams (Amu TV, Pajhwok)

Filed by 6 outlets

Filed under

InternationalUS-Iran talks, Islamabad, JD Vance, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Strait of Hormuz

Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.

Reader supported

Keep Ehtebar running

Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.

€5

helps cover daily verification runs

€15

supports a week of source comparison

€50

keeps independent analysis moving