The latest round of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough after Iran rejected American demands for a clear commitment to abandon nuclear weapons. Vice President JD Vance departed Pakistan empty-handed while President Trump doubled down, saying Iran’s military had already been defeated and the U.S. would move ahead clearing the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, the Pentagon began mine-clearing operations in the Strait, a move Trump framed as protecting global shipping and oil supplies. Iran warned that any further U.S. naval movement could provoke retaliation, even as negotiators continued indirect talks through Pakistani mediators.
Despite the lack of a deal, both sides appear to be leaving the door open for further negotiations, though the atmosphere is becoming more tense and militarized.
U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan collapsed after Iran refused nuclear limits. Vance left without a deal, Trump ordered mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz, and tensions rose as both sides traded threats. #Trump #JDVance #Iran #StraitOfHormuz #NoDeal pic.twitter.com/5uuZbjGzX1
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) April 12, 2026
- Vice President JD Vance left Islamabad without a deal after 21 hours of U.S.-Iran negotiations failed over Iran’s refusal to make a firm commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons.
- Vance said the administration had presented its “final and best offer” and warned that failure to agree was “bad news for Iran, much more than for the U.S.”
- President Trump said Iran’s military had been largely defeated and declared that “you don’t need a backup plan” if diplomacy fails.
- U.S. Central Command confirmed that two U.S. destroyers began mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz on April 11, using the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy.
- Trump announced the U.S. was “clearing out the Strait of Hormuz” to restore global shipping, calling it a favor to countries including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany.
- Iran reportedly warned Pakistani mediators that any U.S. vessel continuing through the Strait could be targeted within 30 minutes.
- Talks in Pakistan continued indirectly, with Iran represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- Major sticking points included Iran’s uranium stockpile, missile production, sanctions relief, frozen Iranian funds, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran’s delegation reportedly included 71 officials, including central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, signaling Tehran was taking the negotiations seriously.
- Fighting in Lebanon continued despite the diplomatic talks. Israeli strikes reportedly killed more people in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah backed the Pakistan talks but rejected separate negotiations with Israel.
- Market reaction was limited, though Bitcoin reportedly fell as investors lost confidence in the chances of a peace deal.
- The odds of a lasting peace agreement before the end of the current ceasefire have dropped sharply.
