Islamabad: Iran’s government has confirmed that US-Iran peace talks, described as the “Islamabad talks” and mediated by Pakistan, concluded after 14 hours of negotiations, with both sides failing to reach a final agreement on key issues.

The high-stakes diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran began on Saturday and continued well past midnight, Pakistan time, according to official and media reports.

The talks are expected to resume on Sunday, as both sides continue discussions on unresolved differences.

US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad: Technical discussions continue

Iranian officials said that while the main round of talks ended, technical teams from both countries are now exchanging “expert texts” as negotiations continue.

“Iran-U.S. talks mediated by Pakistan concluded after 14 hours. Technical teams from both sides are now exchanging expert texts. Negotiations will continue despite some remaining differences,” the Iranian government said.

The US-Iran dialogue in Islamabad is being closely monitored as Pakistan positions itself as a mediator in broader regional diplomacy.

Strait of Hormuz emerges as key flashpoint

According to multiple reports, the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the central sticking point in the negotiations, with both sides failing to bridge differences over control and security of the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz, which carries nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments, remains a critical geopolitical chokepoint amid ongoing regional tensions and a fragile two-week ceasefire framework.

US naval activity and Iranian response escalate tensions

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said two US Navy destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz as part of operations aimed at clearing naval mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran strongly rejected the claim, warning of consequences for any military passage through the waterway.

“Any attempt by military vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will be dealt with severely,” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Naval Command said, according to state media.

‘Excessive demands’ stall progress in talks

Iranian media reported that Washington made what it described as “excessive demands” regarding the Strait of Hormuz and other negotiation points, which stalled progress during the talks.

Iran’s Fars News Agency said the US had raised “unacceptable demands” on multiple issues, intensifying the diplomatic deadlock.

Trump comments on the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump commented on the situation, saying it “makes no difference” to him whether a deal is reached with Iran, while claiming US forces had already achieved military objectives.

He also stated that the United States was working to secure access to the Strait of Hormuz, amid continued tensions over maritime security in the region.

As negotiations continue, the outcome of the Islamabad talks is expected to hinge on unresolved disputes over maritime security, sanctions, and Iran’s strategic positioning in the Gulf.