Round one of ME talks ended in failure. Negotiators need to try harder

April 13, 2026 — 5:00am

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

Save this article for later

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.

With the eyes of the world watching on, US Vice President JD Vance and the leadership of Iran held a marathon 21-hour long peace negotiation in Islamabad, Pakistan, over the weekend – and both sides emerged empty-handed.

Vance, who led the American delegation, said despite the lengthy talks the Iranians refused to accept Washington’s terms of abandoning its nuclear program.

“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are,” Vance said. “What things we’re willing to accommodate them on. They have chosen not to accept our terms.”

With the clock ticking on a shaky ceasefire in place........

© The Sydney Morning Herald