The trilateral negotiations, which lasted nearly 21 hours after beginning on Saturday, concluded with US Vice President JD Vance acknowledging that despite extensive discussions, no breakthrough had been achieved. He said the talks covered a wide range of critical issues but ultimately failed to produce consensus, adding that the outcome was “bad news for Iran much more than” for the United States.
Vance departed Islamabad carrying what he described as Washington’s “final and best offer,” leaving open the question of whether Tehran would accept it. He left aboard Air Force Two early Sunday morning, where he was seen off by senior Pakistani officials, including Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Addressing the outcome, Dar thanked both delegations for engaging in dialogue and responding to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for de-escalation. He noted that the US delegation was led by Vance, while Iran’s side was headed by Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf.
Dar said Pakistan facilitated multiple rounds of “intense and constructive negotiations” over the past 24 hours, reaffirming Islamabad’s role as a mediator. He expressed appreciation to both sides for acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts in helping secure the earlier ceasefire and advancing dialogue.
Emphasising the need to sustain progress, Dar said both countries must maintain the positive momentum to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. “It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire,” he said.
He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to support diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran in the coming days.
The conflict, which began on February 28 following coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian leadership and infrastructure, has resulted in more than 2,000 deaths and widespread instability. Iran’s response included disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and launching attacks on Israeli and US targets across the region.
A ceasefire was announced on April 8 with Pakistan playing a central mediating role, but key differences remain. The United States has proposed a 15-point framework focusing on Iran’s nuclear programme, missile capabilities, sanctions relief, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has presented a 10-point counterproposal seeking greater control over the waterway, transit fees, and full sanctions removal.
The international community has broadly welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic role, supporting its efforts to reduce tensions and facilitate a path toward a durable peace agreement.
