US-Iran Peace Talks End Without Deal Despite ‘Close’ Breakthrough

The peace talks between the United States and Iran ended without a deal, and the US military is now preparing a blockade on shipping to and from Iranian ports from April 13, 10 a.m. ET. Both governments say many points were agreed, yet the main issues remain unresolved.

Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote that negotiations in Pakistan over the weekend came very close to an agreed text, which he called the “Islamabad MoU”. Araghchi said an understanding was just “inches away” before, according to the minister, the other side adopted maximalist positions and changed its demands.

Iran US talks blockade and claims of 'good faith’ negotiations

Araghchi stated that Iran entered the Pakistan talks intending to end the war in West Asia and that contacts took place at the highest level between the two countries in almost five decades. Araghchi wrote on X that “Zero lessons earned” and added, “Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity.”

In a separate post on X, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian suggested that an agreement is still possible, but only if Washington changes its approach. Pezeshkian wrote, “If the American government abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation, ways to reach an agreement will certainly be found.”

Iran US talks blockade and positions of Iranian negotiators

Pezeshkian also praised the delegation that travelled to Pakistan, saying, “I commend the members of the negotiating team, especially my dear brother Mr. Dr. Qalibaf, and say "God gives you strength."” Iranian leaders have repeatedly said they joined the dialogue in “good faith” to seek a lasting end to hostilities in West Asia.

Iranian Parliament speaker MK Ghalibaf, who headed the Iranian team at the Islamabad meetings, argued that Tehran came prepared to make an agreement but did not feel reassured by the United States. Ghalibaf said, “My colleagues on the Iranian delegation Minaab168 raised forward-looking initiatives, but the opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations.”

Iran US talks blockade and US focus on the nuclear issue

United States President Donald Trump gave a different reading of the outcome. Trump said both sides had settled many points, but insisted that Iran would not compromise on its nuclear programme, which Trump called the single decisive subject. Trump wrote, “So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not.”

Trump announced that US forces would answer the deadlock with a naval move around Iran. In another post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “IRAN IS UNWILLING TO GIVE UP ITS NUCLEAR AMBITIONS!” and warned Tehran not to charge any fees on ships that pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.

Iran US talks blockade and CENTCOM’s maritime plan

The US Central Command then released details of the planned maritime operation, stating that all shipping to and from Iranian ports would be affected from April 13, 10 a.m. ET. The statement said a blockade would apply to vessels of every flag entering or leaving Iranian ports and nearby coastal waters.

The command clarified that the measure would include all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman but would not block innocent passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships heading to non-Iranian harbours. CENTCOM said freedom of navigation for traffic not bound for Iran would remain untouched.

The failed Islamabad talks, Iran’s accusations of shifting US demands, Trump’s focus on the nuclear question, and the announced blockade now leave tensions high in West Asia. Both sides still hint that agreement is possible, yet actions at sea and mutual distrust continue to shape the next steps.