US-Iran 20-Hour Talks: Internal Details of Midnight Disputes, Agreement 80% Complete Yet Failed

Marathon talks between US and Iran officials lasted over 20 hours in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan. This was the first direct contact in over a decade and the highest-level diplomatic engagement since the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution. US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf were key representatives. An agreement was '80% complete' but broke down over unresolved decisions. US demands included Iran stopping all uranium enrichment, dismantling facilities, transferring highly enriched uranium, and accepting a broader security framework. Iran's demands included a permanent ceasefire guarantee, lifting of sanctions, unfreezing of assets, recognition of enrichment rights, and control over the Strait of Hormuz. The main sticking points were the Iranian nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and the amount of frozen assets. Despite the breakdown, dialogue channels remain open, and mediators continue communication. Motivations for de-escalation include US domestic unpopularity of military action and Iran's energy supply disruption impacting the global economy. The core dispute is the belief that Iran seeks nuclear weapons, which Iran denies. White House spokesperson Olivia Wales reiterated the US stance: Iran must not possess nuclear weapons. US President Trump claimed Iran called seeking a deal, which Reuters could not confirm. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed distrust due to past US actions.