Iran Blames ‘Unreasonable’ US Demands as Islamabad Talks Collapse Over Hormuz, Nuclear Issues

High-stakes talks between United States and Iran in Islamabad ended in a stalemate after nearly 21 hours of negotiations, with both sides trading blame for the failure to reach an agreement.

Iran flags ‘unreasonable’ US demands

Iranian state media squarely blamed the collapse on what it described as “unreasonable” and “excessive” demands from Washington. Key flashpoints in the talks included Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, war-related issues, and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

State broadcaster IRIB said Tehran’s delegation remained engaged in continuous, intensive negotiations to safeguard national interests, but US positions blocked any breakthrough. Officials maintained that despite multiple proposals from Iran, progress proved impossible.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that discussions spanned several critical areas—including nuclear rights, sanctions, regional conflict and Hormuz—but ultimately failed to produce a deal.

No shift on Hormuz stance

Iran signalled it would not alter its position on the Strait of Hormuz unless the US agrees to what it termed a “reasonable” settlement. Sources cited by Iranian agencies said Washington had pushed for terms it could not secure through military means—conditions Tehran rejected as overly ambitious.

The comments come even as US naval vessels continue to pass through the key waterway, underscoring the strategic tensions surrounding the region.

US says deal within reach, blames Iran

On the other side, US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the delegation was returning without an agreement but indicated that negotiations had not been entirely fruitless.

Vance said there had been areas of substantive discussion but insisted Iran was unwilling to accept US terms. He described Washington’s approach as “flexible” and said a “final and best offer” had been put forward, leaving the door open for Tehran to respond.

Diplomatic deadlock

The collapse of the Islamabad talks highlights the deep divide between the two sides on core issues—particularly nuclear policy and regional security.

With neither side showing signs of backing down, the path forward remains uncertain. For now, the failure to secure a deal keeps tensions elevated, with future negotiations hinging on whether either side is willing to soften its stance.