As of last night, the latest round of U.S.-Iran negotiations has ended without result. Vice President Vance issued a statement saying that the U.S. delegation has left Islamabad and submitted Iran with its final and most favorable proposal. The ball is now in Tehran’s court.

Vance added, “Of course, we’ve been in constant communication with the President—I can’t recall the exact number of times—probably six or seven calls, even ten or more, within a 21-hour period. We’ve also maintained close contact with General Cooper, Pete, Marco, and the entire National Security team. We’ve spoken multiple times with Scott Bessenet as well. Suffice it to say, we’ve consistently stayed closely connected with our team back home because we are negotiating in good faith."

We have now departed, leaving behind a very concise proposal and a clear path toward consensus. This is our final and best offer. We will wait and see whether Iran accepts it."

Vance’s statement marks the collapse of the latest high-level talks between the U.S. and Iran held in Islamabad. Underlying this breakdown are deep-rooted differences between the two sides, adding further uncertainty to an already tense Middle East situation.

Negotiation failure and blame-shifting toward Iran: Vance explicitly stated that after 21 hours of talks, "no agreement was reached," attributing the failure to the other side, claiming they "chose not to accept" the U.S. terms.

Vance announced that the U.S. had already submitted its "final and optimal offer," implying no further concessions from Washington, and shifting the responsibility for progress squarely onto Iran.

Highlighting leadership's "good faith": Vance deliberately emphasized having called President Trump "six or seven times, even ten or more" within 21 hours, and maintaining broad and intensive coordination with the national security team—aiming to project abroad and at home that the U.S. takes this matter extremely seriously.

The immediate cause of the negotiation breakdown lies in irreconcilable core demands:

U.S.: Demands Iran completely "abandon nuclear weapons": The U.S. seeks a long-term, verifiable commitment requiring Iran to clearly pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons or acquire the capability and technology to produce them.

Iran: Counter-proposal with firm conditions: Tehran blames the breakdown on the U.S.'s "greed and ambition," accusing it of making "unreasonable" demands. In response, Iran presented its own "ten-point plan"—calling for permanent ceasefire, full lifting of sanctions, and withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the region.

Far-reaching consequences of the failed deal

Existing truce now precarious: The fragile ceasefire agreement previously reached may now unravel at any moment due to the breakdown of talks, risking a return to large-scale military conflict.

Energy markets face new shocks: Iran has previously threatened to block the global energy chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz. Should negotiations fail, it would directly threaten approximately 20% of global oil supply, potentially triggering sharp fluctuations in energy prices.

Yesterday, gasoline prices at gas stations across Ottawa, Canada, already showed noticeable declines. The news of the failed talks is expected to drive prices back up—this is the tangible impact.

In summary, Vance’s statement brings a formal end to this round of U.S.-Iran engagement—but far from marking the conclusion of the story. Tehran has yet to formally respond to the U.S. “last chance” ultimatum, leaving room for change.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862253964560384/

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