US-Iran Peace Talks Fail

High-stakes peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without an agreement after 21 hours of negotiations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran refused to accept terms to not develop a nuclear weapon, which was the core goal of the United States. Iran's delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, presented 'red lines' including compensation for U.S.-Israeli strikes and the release of frozen assets, and sought control over the Strait of Hormuz. The failure of these talks leaves a fragile two-week ceasefire in doubt and raises concerns about the ongoing war, which has killed thousands and severely impacted global markets, particularly through Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has begun efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel continues its strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, further complicating regional stability. Pakistan, as the mediator, urged both sides to maintain the ceasefire and offered continued dialogue.