US and Iran ceasefire talks end without agreement

Why it matters

The United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, leaving uncertainty over the fragile, two-week ceasefire.

Key takeaways

• His comments did not indicate what will happen after the 14-day ceasefire initially agreed to by the US, Iran and Israel, but Pakistani mediators called on the US and Iran to maintain the ceasefire.
• In one of the first reactions from Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the talks fell apart over a “gap between our opinions over two or three important issues.”
• After the talks ended, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, "It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to a ceasefire," adding that his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue between Iran and the U.S.
• He told Iran’s state TV that the Strait of Hormuz was among the topics discussed by negotiators, but he did not mention nuclear weapons.