SEOUL, April 13 (AJP) - Indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington concluded in Islamabad after a 21-hour marathon session ended without a final agreement. According to a debriefing released on Monday by the Iranian Embassy in South Korea, the discussions represented the highest level of engagement between the two sides in the past year. While the talks were the longest held in twelve months, the Iranian mission detailed a collapse in momentum just as the parties were reportedly "a few steps away" from a breakthrough.
The main agenda for the session, which began on April 11, focused on a proposed Iranian framework and various positions held by Washington. Mediated by Pakistan, the delegations addressed a range of high-stakes issues, including regional developments and the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The engagement pitted the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, against Vice President JD Vance in an effort to de-escalate recent military tensions.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that "Iran entered the negotiations in good faith with the aim of ending the conflict". However, the embassy statement suggests that the potential "Islamabad Understanding" was derailed by what Araghchi described as "excessive demands, shifting conditions, and threats of blockade". Reflecting on the outcome, Araghchi remarked that "No lessons have been learned. Goodwill begets goodwill; hostility brings hostility".
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei noted that reaching a comprehensive agreement in a single session was not realistic given the prevailing atmosphere of distrust. While significant gaps remain on key points, the embassy indicated that Tehran views diplomacy as an ongoing process rather than a single event. Iran has stated it will continue to utilize diplomatic channels to safeguard its national interests and security.
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