In his statement, Vance, while being forceful in terms of US demands, composed a relatively diplomatic tone.
While he said that ‘no deal’ is bad for Iran and not for the US, he stopped short of hinting at the resumption of conflict, potentially leaving some room for further negotiations.
Iran has also maintained a relatively diplomatic stance while pitching a visibly defiant tone. In its comments, as reported by the Fars News Agency, post-meeting, Iran said it reached an understanding on some issues, but there were differences in views on 2–3 key matters, and ultimately, the talks did not lead to an agreement.
Underscoring mistrust, Iran said that these negotiations took place after 40 days of imposed war and were conducted in an atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion.
Paving the way for some hope, Iran said that it should not have been expected that an agreement would be reached in just one meeting.
Some new issues, such as the Strait of Hormuz and regional matters, were added to the negotiations this time. Iran insisted on the continuation of using its own tools to safeguard the interests of the Iranian nation.
Press TV reported that Iran presented reasonable initiatives and proposals during the talks; the ball is now in America’s court to approach the issues realistically. Iran said it is in no rush, and unless the US agrees to a reasonable deal, there will be no change in the situation of the Strait of Hormuz. For now, no time or place has been set for a possible next round of talks.
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Pakistan, on the other hand, sounded a mediatory diplomatic voice, asking the parties to maintain the ceasefire.
In a statement, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the Pakistan foreign minister, along with the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, helped mediate several rounds of intense and constructive negotiations between the two sides that continued through the last 24 hours and ended this morning.
Pakistan added that they hope that the two sides continue with a positive spirit to achieve durable peace and prosperity for the entire region and beyond.
Crucially, while asking the two forces to retain calm, Pakistan said the parties must continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire.
Pakistan said that it will continue to play its role to facilitate engagement and dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America in the days to come.
As for the United States and Israel, apart from JD Vance’s statement, no official reaction has come to pass, with US President Donald Trump yet to react to the matter. It, however, must be noted that hours before Vance’s statement, Trump asserted that a deal or no deal with Iran would not make a difference to him.
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