Regional Tensions Escalate as US-Iran Peace Talks End Without Agreement

Kathmandu. Regional tensions are showing signs of further escalation after peace talks between the United States and Iran concluded without a breakthrough. In this situation, Pakistan has urged both sides to maintain a ceasefire and continue the dialogue.

In a statement on Sunday, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar mentioned that the option for a peaceful resolution remains open and urged both countries to engage in talks with a positive spirit. He stated that maintaining a commitment to a ceasefire is crucial not only for regional but also for global stability.

According to Dar, Pakistan has played an active role in creating an environment for dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States and will continue to facilitate in the coming days. He expressed gratitude to both countries for accepting Pakistan's invitation to participate in the peace talks.

He noted that both sides had responded positively to the invitation for talks in Islamabad, which was extended by Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who had called for an immediate ceasefire. This is being viewed as a significant initiative in regional diplomacy.

The high-level meeting, known as the 'Islamabad Talks,' saw unprecedented participation from top officials of both countries. The US delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance, while the Iranian side was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Dar informed that he, along with the Chief of Defence Force and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, mediated in an intensive and multilateral discussion that lasted for about 24 hours. According to him, the talks concluded on Sunday morning, but the expected consensus could not be reached.

Following the failure of the talks, US Vice President Vance has departed from Islamabad. The main points of contention in the talks were related to Iran's nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters, Vance stated that while there was progress on some issues, no formal agreement could be reached in the end. He remarked that this situation is particularly unfavorable for Iran, although he acknowledged that it would also affect the United States.

This development indicates that despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the possibility of an immediate solution appears weak due to mutual distrust and strategic differences.