April 12, 2026negotiation breakdownstalematediplomatic breakdown
Iran-US talks collapse in Islamabad over enrichment timeline
After three days of tense negotiations, the Islamabad talks collapse. Witkoff demands Iran freeze enrichment for 20 years with complete removal of existing HEU stockpiles. Araghchi offers only a 5-year freeze with stockpiles down-blended on-site under IAEA supervision. Iran insists that after six years of maximum pressure and progressive enrichment escalation, the burden is now on the US to offer a realistic path. Neither side budges. Talks end without agreement.