U.S., Iran end marathon overnight talks in Islamabad; negotiations soon to follow up

by Kim Dong-young Posted : April 12, 2026, 09:33Updated : April 12, 2026, 09:33
US Vice President JD Vance left meets with Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for talks of Iran in Islamabad Pakistan April 11 2026 AP-Yonhap
U.S. Vice President JD Vance (left) meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for talks of Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 11, 2026. AP-Yonhap
 
SEOUL, April 12 (AJP) - The United States and Iran wrapped up a grueling 14-hour marathon negotiation session in the early hours of Sunday (local time), with gaps remaining on key issues but both sides signaling willingness to continue talks later in the day.

The negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, stretched across three rounds beginning at about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and concluding around 3 a.m. Sunday, according to Reuters.

Iran's government said on X that working teams were exchanging technical documents following the session. "Negotiations will continue despite some remaining differences," the Iranian government said.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance led the American delegation, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf headed Tehran's negotiating team. Washington had not issued a formal statement as of Sunday morning.

Reports say the two sides remain locked in disagreement over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel continues its military operations.

Tensions flared even as diplomats talked. U.S. Central Command announced it had begun laying the groundwork for mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, with two Navy guided-missile destroyers transiting the waterway. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired back a warning that any warships attempting to pass through the strait would face a forceful response.

The talks followed a surprise two-week ceasefire agreement struck on April 8. Sunday's session marks the first face-to-face encounter between the two adversaries, held under Pakistani auspices in Islamabad.

Iranian state media, citing reporters on the ground, said the negotiations were expected to resume on later Sunday.