Iran says talks were ‘two steps away’ from a deal before US ‘intransigence’

Iran says negotiations with the United States in Islamabad came close to a breakthrough before ultimately failing, with Tehran blaming Washington for the breakdown.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the sides were nearing agreement to end the regional conflict, but talks collapsed amid what he described as shifting US demands.

"While we were only two steps away from the 'Islamabad memorandum of understanding', we were confronted with intransigence, fluctuating demands and a blockade," he said on X.

The comments come after both sides traded blame over the failed talks in Pakistan, with Washington accusing Tehran of refusing to abandon its nuclear ambitions.