Iran Says Islamabad Talks End Without Deal on US Offer

Middle East outlets describe the Islamabad talks as a near miss where US and Iranian negotiators came close to an understanding before last-minute disagreements sank the effort. They stress that Tehran never expected a full ceasefire or sanctions deal in one sitting and now wants Washington to soften what it calls unrealistic demands. They expect Pakistan and regional states to keep pushing for another round before the current pause in fighting expires.

• •Iranian officials say US demands on sanctions relief and nuclear limits went beyond what Tehran could accept in Islamabad.
• •Regional reporting highlights Araghchi’s claim that the sides were 'inches away' from agreement before talks collapsed.
• •Tehran’s line is that the Islamabad session was meant as a first step, not a venue for a final ceasefire deal.
• •Pakistan is portrayed as racing to organise follow-up contacts before US-Iran fighting resumes.
• •Gulf and Levant countries are described as highly exposed to any breakdown in the fragile pause in hostilities.