US President Donald Trump has said that Iran “hasn’t left the bargaining table,” despite failed high-level talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad.
Speaking in a televised interview on Fox News, Trump said he expected Iran to return to negotiations and accept US demands on its nuclear programme. He claimed Tehran “has no cards” and insisted he wants “everything” in any future agreement.
His remarks come after more than 20 hours of negotiations between US and Iranian delegations ended without agreement, with both sides acknowledging deep disagreements over Iran’s nuclear activities and regional security concerns.
Trump also repeated strong warnings that the US could target Iran’s energy infrastructure if a deal is not reached, saying American forces are prepared for further escalation if necessary.
In addition, he raised tensions over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting possible US action to restrict or block shipping routes, citing alleged threats to international navigation.
Iran has strongly rejected such threats. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iranian forces maintain full control over the Strait and warned of retaliation against any hostile action.
Iranian officials, including parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and foreign ministry representatives, said some progress was made in talks but key differences remain unresolved, particularly over nuclear enrichment rights.
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that no breakthrough was achieved, despite what he described as “substantive negotiations.”
The talks were reportedly mediated in Pakistan with involvement from senior regional leadership, but ended without agreement after nearly a full day of discussions.
With tensions rising over both nuclear policy and strategic shipping routes, the situation remains highly volatile, with no clear timeline for resumed negotiations.
