Vice President JD Vance shared an update late Saturday regarding the intense negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, noting that the talks did not result in a consensus.
Vance stated, “We have been at it now for 21 hours, and we’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news.” He added, “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 United States of America.”
Leading the U.S. team, Vance worked alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The negotiating teams engaged in various rounds of discussions, with the U.S. delegation in frequent contact with President Donald Trump and other senior officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This high-level meeting marked a significant moment, being the first direct engagement between the U.S. and Iran in over a decade. These negotiations followed a two-week ceasefire amid ongoing conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Sticking Points in the Negotiations
Vance stressed that the U.S. made its position clear, stating, “We have made very clear what our red lines are … and they have chosen not to accept our terms.” He characterized the U.S. approach as “quite flexible and accommodating,” conducted “in good faith.” Yet, the two sides could not reconcile their main differences.
Vance outlined the U.S. desire for an “affirmative commitment” from Iran against pursuing nuclear weapons or technology that could enable quick production. Ultimately, no agreement could be reached on this crucial issue.
Next Steps
As the press conference wrapped up, Vance declared that the U.S. was leaving with a definitive proposal on the table. “We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept,” he confirmed.
The press conference concluded without additional questions, leaving the situation fluid as it develops.
