US Vice President JD Vance presented a “final offer” to Iran on Saturday during high-stakes talks in Islamabad, setting out six strict “red lines” aimed at securing a breakthrough in stalled nuclear talks, according to US officials.
The proposal, according to Fox News, reportedly demanded sweeping concessions from Tehran, including:
-Complete cessation of uranium enrichment activities
-Dismantling of all major nuclear facilities
-Loading and removing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium
-Adoption of a broader regional peace and de-escalation framework involving US allies
-Cease funding to regional proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis
-Full opening of the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring free sea passage
The demands were designed to create a comprehensive agreement covering nuclear activity, regional influence and maritime security in the Persian Gulf.
The 2-hour negotiation ends in an impasse
Talks between the US and Iranian delegations reportedly lasted about 20 hours, but ended without any agreement. Vance later confirmed the impasse and indicated that despite lengthy discussions, no breakthrough had been achieved.
Trump cites the nuclear dispute as the main problem
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran remains unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions, calling it a major obstacle to any deal.
“The meeting went well, most of the points were agreed upon … but it doesn’t matter if Iran continues its nuclear program,” Trump said, underscoring Washington’s hardline stance.
Rising tensions after failed diplomacy
The collapse of the Islamabad talks comes at a time of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over nuclear weapons enrichment, regional proxy conflicts and control of strategic sea lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
With both sides maintaining strong positions, the failure of the talks leaves the crisis unresolved and raises fears of further escalation in the region.
