The Pakistan-facilitated and mediated peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend (April 11-12, 2026) ended after 21 hours of gruelling and one-on-one sessions between the American and Iranian delegates. It was their first direct interaction since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Expecting this session to produce a deal or an agreement was too optimistic and based upon diplomatic naiveté. Intractable issues take their own time. The Obama-era nuclear deal between Iran and West Plus (JCPOA) took two years of painstaking negotiations.

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance thanked Pakistan for its 'incredible hospitality' and effective mediating role during talks "wherein the US participated in 'good faith' but did not get a deal." Vance mentioned the US had clearly defined its red lines, homing around the central issue of a firm commitment from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons or related capabilities in the long-term. He confirmed discussions on other issues like re-opening the Strait of Hormuz (SoH), Iran's frozen assets, sanctions relief, etc. He concluded that the US was leaving 'a final and best offer.'

The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and FM Abbas Araghchi, postulated their national stance and red lines from a 'position of confidence'. They rebuffed the US demand for de-nuclearisation; sought security guarantees for Lebanon/Hezbollah as a prerequisite for nuclear concessions, if any; refused to give up control of Hormuz waterway rejecting US mine-clearing claims; and termed US position as excessive and maximalist.

The talks ended without an MoU signed, as the US 'expected'. However, the diplomatic mood remains........

© The Express Tribune