ISLAMABAD: US Vice President JD Vance has said “significant progress” was made during the Pakistan-mediated talks between Washington and Tehran, stressing that the next steps now depend on Iran as diplomatic efforts continue.
Speaking after high-level negotiations in Islamabad, Vance rejected suggestions that the talks had failed, telling Fox News that there were “good conversations” and “a lot of progress” during the discussions, even though a final agreement was not reached.
“The ball is very much in their court,” Vance said, adding that Iran would determine what happens next in the evolving situation.
He noted that both sides moved closer on several issues, particularly on key US priorities such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route. However, he said Iranian negotiators were unable to finalise a deal and needed to consult leadership in Tehran before committing to the proposed terms.
Constructive step
“I wouldn’t just say that things went wrong… we made a lot of progress,” Vance said, highlighting what he described as positive movement during the Islamabad Talks.
The vice president added that the discussions helped the US better understand Iran’s negotiating process and decision-making structure, calling the engagement a constructive step forward.
The talks in Islamabad, facilitated by Pakistan, brought together senior officials and expert-level teams from both countries as part of efforts to build on a ceasefire and move towards a broader agreement.
Meanwhile, Vance reiterated Washington’s stance on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying the US expects Iran to ensure full access to the critical trade route.
He also emphasised that the United States retains both military and economic leverage, but expressed cautious optimism that continued engagement could lead to further progress in the coming rounds of talks.
