- The talks mark the highest level contact since the 1979 revolution.
- The marathon negotiations lasted approximately 21 hours.
- The Strait of Hormuz issue adds to a complex agenda.
Iran stressed that diplomacy will never stop after the much-anticipated Iran-US negotiations end without a deal in Islamabad, according to Tasnim press agency.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, the news agency reported, said Tehran and Washington had reached agreement on a “number of issues” and that there were “differences of opinion on 2-3 important issues.”
The Islamabad talks are the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, triggering a retaliation from Tehran that plunged the Middle East into conflict and the global economy into tumult.
After ending a 21-hour marathon discussion, US Vice President JD Vance said he was leaving after making Tehran “the best and final offer”.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the negotiations on his side, said the United States had failed to gain Iran’s trust, but understood its logic and principles.
Meanwhile, Baqaei said the talks took place in an atmosphere of distrust. “It is natural that we do not hope to reach an agreement in one session,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Iranian media.
He stressed that “diplomacy never ends” and said: “This tool is intended to protect national interests, and diplomats must fulfill their duties in times of war as well as in times of peace.” »
Baqaei said the success of the talks depended on the “seriousness and good faith of the opposing party” and acceptance of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.
The spokesperson also highlighted the complexity of the issues, saying: “New issues, such as the Strait of Hormuz issue, have been added to these negotiations, each with its own complexities. »
