Context of an unprecedented meeting These direct talks, the first at this level between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, were hosted and facilitated by Pakistan. The U.S. delegation included Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. On the Iranian side, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and the Foreign Minister were present. The goal was to transform a fragile two-week ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement to end the war in the Middle East and, above all, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for 20% of the world’s oil — which had been blocked or severely disrupted by the conflict. Pakistan, acting as host and mediator, quickly called on both parties to respect the current ceasefire despite the deadlock. The main sticking point: Iran’s nuclear program According to JD Vance, Iran refused to commit firmly to abandoning the development of a nuclear weapon or the means to achieve it quickly. “We need a clear and affirmative commitment,” he insisted. On the Iranian side, officials criticized the “unreasonable” and “excessive” American demands. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the United States failed to earn Tehran’s trust, citing past experiences and previous strikes. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson mentioned “differences on two or three important issues.” Immediate reactions

Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, downplaying the failure while hardening his tone. He described Iran as “unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions” and warned that the U.S. Navy could immediately block the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Pakistan praised the diplomatic effort and promised to continue facilitating future discussions. Israel is closely monitoring the situation in an already extremely tense regional context.

What are the consequences? The two-week ceasefire is now in limbo. Without an agreement, the risk of renewed hostilities is very real, with major implications for energy prices, Middle East stability, and international maritime security. Analysts point out that, despite the failure, the mere fact of holding direct talks marks a historic precedent. Indirect talks or new rounds mediated by Pakistan could resume in the coming days or weeks. A glimmer of hope? The chief Iranian negotiator left the door slightly open to diplomacy, while Vance described the American offer as “final and the best possible,” implicitly putting the ball back in Tehran’s court. This Sunday, April 12, will be remembered as an intense day of diplomacy: the hope of a historic breakthrough quickly replaced by harsh geopolitical reality. The world is holding its breath in the face of the uncertainty hanging over the Middle East. The story is not over. The next few days will be decisive.