TEHRAN: Following the collapse of the high-stakes peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tehran has made a stunning allegation. Iran claims that the talks failed directly due to "Israeli interference."
Netanyahu's Call and Vance's Shift in Stance
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi shared explosive details on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter). He alleged that during the grueling 21-hour discussion, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placed a phone call to US Vice President JD Vance.
According to Iran, this single phone call completely shifted the trajectory of the negotiations. Tehran argues that after speaking with Netanyahu, Vance began prioritizing Israeli interests exclusively, abandoning the progress made earlier in the session.
The 'Harsh' Conditions That Broke the Talks
According to details released by Tehran, the US presented a set of "untenable" demands to Iran:
Nuclear Program Freeze: The US insisted that Iran completely dismantle its uranium enrichment program and transfer its existing stockpiles to a third party.
Strait of Hormuz Dispute: Washington demanded guaranteed freedom of navigation for US and allied vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate cancellation of Iran's proposed 'transit tolls.'
What Were Iran's Counter-Demands?
Iran also placed several tough conditions on the table, for which they reportedly received no clear assurances from the US:
Lebanon Ceasefire: Iran insisted that the proposed two-week ceasefire must also apply to Lebanon.
Reparations: Tehran demanded compensation for the economic and infrastructural damage caused by recent joint US-Israeli military strikes.
Transit Tolls: Iran stood firm on its right to collect transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
What’s Next?
JD Vance’s departure from Islamabad without signing any agreement signals a potential spike in tensions across the Middle East. "We entered these talks in good faith, but the US is acting like a puppet of Israel," Araghchi stated, expressing deep frustration over the diplomatic failure.