THE MIND OF THE PEOPLE – Intermediate negotiations United States of America And Iran in Islamabad ended without a deal after lasting more than 20 hours. However, 11 sources familiar with the course of the negotiations said dialogue between the two parties was still continuing.
Reported by Reuters on Monday, April 14 2026, this report is an initial picture of the internal dynamics of the closed meeting.
Tight Negotiations in Three Separate Zones
The negotiations were held at the Serena Hotel Islamabad with the arrangement of three different areas, namely one wing for the US delegation, one for the Iranian delegation, as well as a common room for trilateral meetings involving Pakistan as a mediator.
During negotiations, communication devices such as cellphones are not permitted to enter the main room. As a result, the delegates, including US Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibafhad to leave the room during the break to communicate with their respective governments.
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Almost agreed, failed at the last second
Sources from the Pakistani government said that in the midst of the negotiations there was high optimism. In fact, one source revealed that the two parties had achieved around 80 percent progress towards an agreement.
However, the talks then reached a dead end when entering crucial issues that could not be resolved on the spot.
Two senior Iranian sources described the atmosphere of the negotiations as heavy and full of tension. However, towards early morning an opportunity arose to extend negotiations, which ultimately did not materialize.
Three Main Issues Become Obstacles
The basic differences between the two countries center on three main issues:
- Iran’s nuclear program
- Status and access in Strait of Hormuz
- Unfreezing of frozen Iranian assets
The US is said to have made a number of demands, including stopping uranium enrichment, dismantling nuclear facilities and opening free shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran proposed conditions such as guaranteeing a permanent ceasefire, lifting sanctions, disbursement of all assets, and recognition of uranium enrichment rights.
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Tense Moments Color the Negotiations
One of the most tense moments occurred when discussing security guarantees. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi questioned US commitment by referring to previous experience.
Tensions also increased when loud voices were heard from outside the negotiation room. This situation forced the Chief of Pakistan Army Staff Asim Munir and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar temporarily halted talks and separated the two delegations.
Dialogue Still Continues
Even though an agreement has not been reached, the US emphasized that communication with Iran is still ongoing. JD Vance said Washington had left Islamabad with a final proposal.
On the other hand, former US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had contacted him to resume talks, although the statement could not be verified.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that his country still plays an active role as a mediator by continuing to convey messages between Tehran and Washington.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales emphasized that the US position has not changed, namely ensuring that Iran never has nuclear weapons.
Although the road to agreement is still long, the continuation of dialogue shows that opportunities for diplomacy remain open amidst tensions that have not subsided.
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