Strait Of Hormuz, Nuclear Rights: Bone of contention behind collapse of US-Iran peace talks
US Vice President JD Vance said that without this assurance, progress was not possible, even after more than 21 hours of talks.
PTC News Desk: Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without any agreement after Iran refused to accept the US’s main demand—a clear promise not to develop nuclear weapons or the ability to quickly build them.
US Vice President JD Vance said that without this assurance, progress was not possible, even after more than 21 hours of talks.
“We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon," Vance said.
“That is the core goal of the President of the United States, and that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations."
Vance said Iran declined to accept US terms, resulting in the American delegation leaving Pakistan without a deal.
“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America," Vance said.
Apart from the nuclear issue, there were major disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz, an important global shipping route through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes.
Iran is asking for control over transit in the strait, compensation for war damages, relief from sanctions, and a ceasefire in regions like Lebanon.
On the other hand, the US wants free movement of ships through the strait and limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.
The US military said it is preparing to clear mines in the area, while Iranian media denied reports that American naval ships had passed through the strait.