“Determined to protect national interests”
Baqai said the Iranian delegation conducted “intensive negotiations” throughout Saturday, exchanging a variety of information with the United States while using “all their capabilities, experience and knowledge to safeguard Iran’s rights and interests.”“The tragic loss of our great man… makes our determination… stronger than ever before,” he said, asserting that “nothing can and should stop us from pursuing our great historical mission for our beloved motherland and noble Iranian civilization.”Tehran remains committed to using “all tools, including diplomacy,” to achieve its goals, he added, while stressing that any progress depended on “the seriousness and sincerity of the other side.”
Key issues remain unresolved
Bakaj said discussions in the past 24 hours covered major issues such as the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, war reparations, lifting sanctions and a complete end to war in the region.Iranian media claimed that the United States’ “excessive demands” hindered reaching an agreement on a common framework. “The success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and sincerity of the other party, not making excessive and illegal demands, and accepting Iran’s legitimate rights and interests,” Bakaj wrote.Disputes over nuclear commitments and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain a bone of contention.
After 21 hours of negotiations, US confirms there is no deal
U.S. Vice President Vance said the U.S. delegation would leave Pakistan after 21 hours of negotiations without an agreement, adding that Iran refused to accept U.S. conditions, including a pledge not to build nuclear weapons.“The bad news is we don’t have a deal yet,” Vance said, adding that Washington had made clear its “red lines.”The talks, the first direct high-level contact between the two sides in more than a decade, are seen as crucial to maintaining a fragile two-week ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy channel.
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Despite the setback, Iran said talks could continue while thanking Pakistan for its “benevolent efforts” in hosting and mediating discussions.

