- U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed negotiations with Iran ended without an agreement after an extended session lasting until 1 a.m.
- Iran refused to commit to a future halt on nuclear weapon development, effectively ending the current round of talks.
- The U.S. reiterated a final offer, signaling readiness to resume if Iran accepts terms, while analysts warn of potential regional instability.
No Deal After Marathon Negotiations
U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that talks with Iran broke down early Thursday morning after negotiations ran until 1 a.m., according to people familiar with the matter. The discussions, which spanned roughly 21 hours, ended without a negotiated agreement after Iran reportedly refused to accept American terms on halting nuclear weapon development.
“We put a strong offer on the table, but the Iranians weren’t ready to make a commitment,” Vance told reporters, adding that the U.S. remains open to resuming talks if Iran signals a willingness to accept the terms. Calls to the Iranian mission to the United Nations for comment were not immediately returned.
Firm Red Lines on Both Sides
The impasse came after Iran adopted a firmer negotiating stance, leveraging its perceived strategic leverage in the region. Iranian negotiators insisted on red lines, including demands for compensation and guarantees on nuclear questions, according to officials briefed on the talks. The U.S., for its part, emphasized that its final offer required a concrete commitment to non-proliferation.
“This was a tough session,” said a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Without a deal, the risk of stalled diplomacy remains high.”
Market and Regional Implications
The breakdown comes amid broader U.S.-Iran tensions and ongoing regional conflicts, with the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets watching closely. Analysts noted that Iran’s leverage from regional dynamics complicates efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement quickly. “Negotiators may need to adjust strategy if Iran remains unwilling to concede on key points,” said one analyst.
This episode reflects a long cycle of U.S.-Iran negotiations, with past rounds showing similar patterns of high-stakes bargaining and occasional impasses. Short-term risks include a potential escalation or prolonged stalemate, while long-term implications hinge on whether both sides can bridge core red lines.
Update: This article has been updated to clarify that talks ended at 1 a.m. local time.