No Deal Reached in Pakistan: Black Smoke Reigns Over Hopes for Peace

The Greek Courier

Sunday, April 12, 2026
Vance Confirms No Consensus After Prolonged US-Iran Discussions in Islamabad
The prospects of a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are now uncertain as negotiations stall. Meanwhile, Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon persist.

• No Consensus: US Vice President JD Vance announced that discussions with Iran in Pakistan did not result in an agreement. He stated that Iran refused to concede on the issue of a nuclear weapon. The Iranian foreign ministry indicated to state media that disagreements on "two or three" crucial topics hindered a deal.
• Iran's Next Moves: While reports from state media suggest that Tehran currently has no plans for further negotiations, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry took a less absolute stance, asserting that “diplomacy never ends.”
• Pakistan's Role: Following the conclusion of talks, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Islamabad "has been and will continue" its role as a mediator.
• Continued Attacks on Lebanon: Reports indicate that lethal strikes persisted overnight in southern Lebanon amid faltering negotiations, with one attack hitting a residence, leading to deaths and injuries, according to state media.

Strait of Hormuz Closure Increases Prices in Africa

Fuel and fertilizer costs have surged across Africa following Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Continued Deadly Strikes in Lebanon 

Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon were reported to have continued overnight, as per Lebanese media sources, amid stalled US-Iran peace talks. Israeli forces targeted two towns, and artillery fire was reported in a third location. One significant strike reportedly targeted a home in the town of Maaroub, impacting a family of over seven members and causing fatalities and injuries.

Israel initiated a strike campaign against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon back in early March, in response to rocket fire from the Iran-backed group towards Israel amidst escalating tensions.

In a Sunday morning communication, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the destruction of a “loaded and ready-to-launch rocket launcher” in Joya, southern Lebanon. The IDF noted that the launcher was attacked and eliminated swiftly to prevent any potential launch against Israel.

Expert Analysis of US-Iran Stalemate: Uranium Enrichment Dispute at the Core

Political scientist Benjamin Radd commented that the inability to secure a deal was anticipated, with both delegations entering discussions with "maximalist positions." He identified Iran’s nuclear enrichment program as a likely obstacle in negotiations.

Radd explained that Iran asserts its position based on the 2015 nuclear agreement, which it claims was an assurance not to develop nuclear weapons. The key contention remains Iran's enrichment activities, which are approaching levels that exceed what the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) allows and are close to nuclear weapon capability.

Thus, the impasse lies in Iran's assertion of its sovereign right to enrich uranium versus the US position that Iran has forfeited trust in its nuclear intentions due to past actions.

Saudi Arabia Restores Key Oil Pipeline After Recent Attack

Saudi Arabia has fully restored its East-West oil pipeline, which was affected by recent assaults, according to the Energy Ministry. The 1,200-kilometer pipeline, which avoids the Strait of Hormuz, is now operating at full capacity, helping to stabilize oil production significantly impacted in the wake of the conflict.


Failure of US-Iran Talks: A Setback for Peace Initiatives

Analysis indicates that the failure to reach an agreement during these critical talks represents a significant setback for efforts to de-escalate the ongoing crisis. This was the first high-level dialogue between US and Iranian officials in decades, marking a challenging moment in negotiations characterized by diverging approaches and styles from both parties.

Vance, advocating for a swift resolution, contrasted with Tehran’s traditionally slower and more deliberate negotiation style. Now, the responsibility for any future discussions rests with Iran to reassess its position, particularly in light of the US's declaration of a "best and final" offer.