U.S.-Iran talks collapse, cease‑fire teeters on brink

U.S.-Iran talks stall as cease‑fire hangs in balance

The marathon U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad ended Saturday without a pact, leaving the two‑week cease‑fire agreed last week in limbo. ↓ 24 hours of back‑and‑forth failed to bridge Tehran’s demand to dominate the Strait of Hormuz and its refusal to surrender enriched‑uranium stockpiles.

“This is bad news for Iran far more than for the United States,” Vice President Vance told reporters, adding that Washington’s red lines remain firm.

Iranian state media blasted the effort as a product of “excessive U.S. demands,” while U.S. officials said they presented a “final and best offer” and await Tehran’s response. The deadlock threatens to reignite hostilities, a risk highlighted by Reuters and AP News. The next steps remain uncertain as both sides retreat to their capitals.