Reasons why Iran, US failed to reach an agreement

High-stakes talks between Iran and the United States ended without agreement after 21 hours of closed-door negotiations, deepening uncertainty over efforts to ease tensions between the two sides.

The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, is leaving Pakistan following the failed negotiations, with Washington blaming Tehran for the impasse.

Vance said the talks broke down after Iran refused to accept key US conditions, particularly demands for “clear and positive commitments” regarding its nuclear programme.

While declining to disclose specifics, he stressed that Washington sought firm assurances that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons.

Tehran, however, rejected the US narrative, accusing Washington of derailing the negotiations with what it described as “unreasonable demands.”

According to reports by Fars News Agency, US proposals went beyond what could be achieved during wartime and included contentious issues such as control and security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources close to the Iranian delegation said Tehran refused to concede on its peaceful nuclear programme and other sovereignty-related matters, calling the US conditions overly ambitious.