Iran Cites Disagreements Over Key Issues for Failed Islamabad Peace Talks

Tehran’s foreign ministry stated that “two or three” major sticking points prevented a deal with the US, while sources indicate control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a primary hurdle. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A Pakistani Ranger walks past a billboard for the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad on April 12, 2026. (Photo by Farooq NAEEM / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Disagreements over several “key issues” prevented the conclusion of a peace agreement with the US during marathon talks in Islamabad, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated on Sunday, April 12, CNN reported. Speaking on state television, Baghaei noted that while the delegations reached common ground on some points, significant “differences of opinion” remain. His comments follow a statement from US Vice President JD Vance, who identified Tehran’s refusal to provide clear commitments on abandoning its nuclear program as the primary obstacle to a breakthrough. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . According to reports from Axios , the major points of contention included Iran’s demand for continued control over the Strait of Hormuz and its reluctance to relinquish stockpiles of enriched uranium. US President Donald Trump has previously insisted that the strategic waterway must remain open to global trade without the multimillion-dollar tolls proposed by Tehran. Despite the deadlock after 21 hours of negotiations, Baghaei maintained a cautiously diplomatic tone. “One should not have expected that we could reach an agreement in a single round of talks,” he said, adding that “diplomacy never ends.” However, Iranian state media suggested that no further rounds of direct talks with the US are currently planned. The diplomatic impasse leaves the region in a state of high tension as the two-week ceasefire approaches its April 22 expiration . While Vance characterized the failure as “much worse news for Iran,” Baghaei indicated that Tehran would remain in contact with Pakistan, the mediator, and other “friends in the region.” Other Topics of Interest War in the Middle East: Latest Developments Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who took part in peace talks with the United States this weekend, said that Washington was “unable” to win Tehran’s trust during the discussions. With the US delegation returning home, the international community remains focused on whether the “final and best offer” left by Vance will prompt a shift in Tehran’s position before the current truce expires. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.