On April 12 in Islamabad, Pakistan, Iran and the USA failed to reach an agreement due to persistent differences over key issues.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated, “Mutual understanding was reached on a number of issues, but the sides disagreed on 2-3 important questions, and, as a result, the negotiations failed to produce an agreement.”
The primary points of contention are believed to include the scope and “reversibility” of US sanctions relief, the conclusion of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) investigation into undeclared sites, Iran’s support for the “Axis of Resistance,” and the withdrawal of US forces from the region.
Regarding sanctions, Iran demanded the immediate and permanent lifting of all sanctions imposed by the Trump administration since 2018, along with legal guarantees to prevent a future US administration from reneging on the deal.
In contrast, the US proposed lifting only those sanctions directly tied to the restoration of the nuclear deal (JCPOA), while maintaining others related to Iran’s missile program and regional military activities. Washington also emphasized a strengthened “snapback” mechanism, which would allow for the immediate reinstatement of sanctions should Iran violate the agreement.
On the issue of IAEA inspections, Iran defined the probes as a “political offensive” by the West. Tehran insisted that all investigations must be fully closed before any agreement takes effect, arguing that restoring the nuclear deal would be futile if this issue remains unresolved.
The United States remained firm, asserting that IAEA inspections are a technical matter and cannot be subject to political compromise.
Regarding the “Axis of Resistance,” Iran defended its support as a “sovereign matter” and “legitimate solidarity against Israeli aggression,” while calling for a concrete timetable for the complete withdrawal of US troops from the region.
The US, however, demanded a written commitment from Iran to halt military and financial support for the “Axis of Resistance” and to cease “logistical interference” in the Red Sea.
JD Vance, the Vice President of the USA and head of the delegation, told reporters, “Iran is choosing not to accept US truce terms,” adding, “We have made our red lines very clear—what is acceptable and what is not.”
Baghaei criticized the outcome, stating, “The diplomatic efforts in Islamabad failed to reach a final agreement because the US refused to abandon its failed hegemonic approach and continued to demand concessions beyond the scope of the nuclear issue.”
