Iran says maximalist demands derailed near-final deal with US in Islamabad Talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said that high-level negotiations with the United States in Islamabad nearly resulted in a breakthrough agreement, but ultimately collapsed due to what he described as shifting demands and a lack of reciprocity from Washington.

In a statement shared on social media, Araghchi said Tehran had engaged “in good faith” during what he termed the most intensive talks between the two countries in 47 years, aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. He claimed the two sides were “just inches away” from finalising an understanding referred to as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)”.

However, the Iranian diplomat alleged that the negotiations faltered at a critical stage due to “maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade,” without elaborating on the specific demands that caused the impasse.

Araghchi’s remarks suggest a sharp deterioration in momentum after days of diplomatic engagement facilitated in Pakistan, which had raised cautious optimism about de-escalation between the longtime adversaries.

Emphasising Iran’s position, he added that “good will begets good will, enmity begets enmity,” signalling that future progress would depend on mutual trust and consistency.

There has been no immediate response from US officials regarding Araghchi’s claims.