The US insists on control of enriched uranium
The US-Iran nuclear talks collapse came after high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran ended without agreement in Islamabad, where discussions were held over the weekend.
US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said Washington had made its position clear, insisting that Iran must hand over all enriched uranium in its possession.
“We want that material out of the country,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News, adding that the US must have control over it and ensure, through verification mechanisms, that Iran cannot produce highly enriched uranium in the future.
“Final offer” and growing mistrust
Vance said the US had presented its “final and best offer” during the talks, which he described as unprecedented but ultimately unsuccessful.
He stressed that while Iran claims it does not seek nuclear weapons, Washington requires enforceable guarantees backed by verification.
“There is a difference between saying it and ensuring it cannot happen,” he said, adding that the US had laid out its “red lines” clearly to Iranian officials.
Despite the failure, Vance noted that Iran had “taken a step” and described some signals from the talks as encouraging, though insufficient for progress.
Iran accuses US of maximalist demands
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said both sides had been close to an agreement, but accused Washington of “maximalist demands” and shifting positions that prevented a deal.
Tehran said it remained committed to dialogue but criticised the outcome of the negotiations as unbalanced.
Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate
The collapse of talks comes amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.
Vance said he expects Iran to fully reopen the waterway in exchange for maintaining a fragile ceasefire, which has lasted two weeks in theory.
US President Donald Trump has previously warned that any Iranian vessels attempting to challenge the blockade would face military retaliation.
Iran has de facto restricted passage through the strait since the conflict began on 28 February, while allowing limited traffic for selected countries.
Iran condemns US blockade
Iran strongly condemned the US naval blockade of its ports and coastal waters, calling it a violation of sovereignty and international law.
Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the measure constitutes a “serious breach of national sovereignty and territorial integrity” and warned it increases the risk of wider escalation.
He added that the move violates fundamental principles of maritime law and poses a threat to international peace and security.
Tehran also suggested that regional states could bear responsibility for damages caused by what it described as unlawful US actions.
Rising geopolitical uncertainty
With negotiations stalled and tensions rising in the Strait of Hormuz, concerns are growing over further escalation in a conflict that has already destabilised the wider Middle East.
Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain as both sides maintain hardline positions and global markets react to heightened geopolitical risk.
Source: CNA
Also read: US blockade of Iranian ports risks escalation over Hormuz
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