US-Iran Talks End Without Consensus; Pakistan, Australia Urge Middle East Ceasefire to Be Maintained

US and Iranian delegations held peace talks in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. According to AFP, after US Vice President JD Vance stated that talks with Iran had failed to reach an agreement, he left Pakistan today, as reported by accompanying media.

According to Reuters and CNN, before leaving Pakistan, Vance told the media that his negotiating team had failed to reach a consensus after 21 hours of negotiations with Iran. This outcome puts the previously agreed two-week ceasefire in jeopardy.

The Pakistani government hosted and mediated the talks. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, "It is crucial that all parties continue to adhere to their ceasefire commitments."

In a brief statement broadcast on state media, Dar said, "Pakistan has played and will continue to play a role in facilitating engagement and dialogue between Iran and the United States in the coming days."

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for the Middle East ceasefire to be maintained after the talks between the US and Iran failed to reach an agreement.

"The immediate priority must be to maintain the ceasefire and return to the negotiating table," Wong said in a statement. She added, "It is regrettable that the talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad failed to reach an agreement." (Translator: Kao Chao-fen / Editor: Chen Cheng-chien) 1150412