Kamal Ghorui
Iran on Sunday struck a defiant tone after high-stakes negotiations with the United States in Islamabad failed to yield an agreement, with its foreign ministry spokesperson accusing Washington of “breaches of promise” and “excessive demands.”In a post on X, Esmaeil Baqaei said diplomacy for Iran was “the continuation of the sacred jihad,” adding that Tehran would not forget “America’s breaches of promise and ill deeds” or “heinous crimes” committed during the conflict.His remarks came after marathon talks mediated by Pakistan ended without a breakthrough, with Iranian media confirming that the two sides “have not reached an agreement”.
‘Determined to protect national interests’
Baqaei said the Iranian delegation had engaged in “intensive negotiations” throughout Saturday, exchanging multiple messages with the US side while using “all their ability, experience, and knowledge to safeguard the rights and interests of Iran.”“The heavy loss of our great ones… has made our resolve… firmer than ever before,” he said, asserting that “nothing can or should deter us from pursuing our great historical mission towards our beloved homeland and noble Iranian civilisation”.He added that Tehran remained committed to using “all tools, including diplomacy,” to secure its goals, while stressing that any progress depended on the “seriousness and good faith of the opposing side.”
Key sticking points remain unresolved
According to Baqaei, discussions over the past 24 hours covered major issues including the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme, war reparations, sanctions relief and a complete end to the war in the region.Iranian media claimed US “excessive demands” prevented a common framework for agreement. “The success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests”, Baqaei wrote.Disputes over nuclear commitments and control of the Strait of Hormuz remained central points of contention.
US confirms no deal after 21-hour talks
US Vice President JD Vance said the American delegation was leaving Pakistan after 21 hours of negotiations without a deal, adding that Iran had refused to accept US terms, including commitments not to build nuclear weapons.“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement,” Vance said, adding that Washington had made its “red lines” clear.The talks, the first direct high-level engagement between the two sides in over a decade, were seen as crucial to sustaining a fragile two-week ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
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Despite the setback, Iran signalled that negotiations could continue, while thanking Pakistan for its “benevolent efforts” in hosting and mediating the discussions.
