By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - High-stakes peace talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, concluded early Sunday without a breakthrough agreement after approximately 21 hours of intense negotiations, Iranian and Pakistani officials confirmed.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described the outcome as "natural," citing a deep atmosphere of mistrust following a 40-day war between Iran and US-Israeli forces, Anadolu Agency reported.

"These talks were held in an atmosphere dominated not only by distrust but also by doubt and suspicion, following a 40-day war initiated for the second time within nine months by the US and Israel," Baqaei told Iranian state television. "Therefore, it is natural that no agreement was reached in a single meeting. In any case, no one had such an expectation."

US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, struck a cautiously optimistic tone despite the lack of a final agreement.

Speaking briefly to reporters before departing Islamabad, Vance described the talks as "candid and constructive."

"We came here to listen, to understand, and to explore whether there is a path forward," Vance said. "These were serious discussions on complex issues. We did not expect to solve everything in one day. But we have established a foundation for continued dialogue."

Vance declined to comment on specific points of disagreement but acknowledged that "significant gaps remain" between the two sides.

The Vice President also praised Pakistan's role as host and mediator. "We are deeply grateful to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their tireless efforts in bringing us together," he said.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who facilitated the talks, addressed the media following the conclusion of negotiations.

"These were difficult but necessary discussions," Dar said. "Bringing two sides who were at war just days ago to the same table is itself an achievement. Pakistan remains committed to facilitating this dialogue for as long as it takes."

Dar expressed hope that the talks would resume soon. "Both sides have shown willingness to continue. The path to peace is never straight, but Pakistan will continue to walk it with both our friends."

Baqaei provided the most detailed Iranian account of the discussions, outlining the scope of the agenda and the obstacles that remain.

In a series of posts on X, he wrote: "In the past 24 hours, discussions were held on various dimensions of the main negotiation topics, including the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue, war reparations, lifting of sanctions, and the complete end to the war against Iran and in the region."

He emphasized that the success of the diplomatic process "depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests."

Baqaei also expressed appreciation to "the government and the warm-hearted and noble people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for hosting the negotiations and their benevolent efforts in advancing this process."

According to Iranian state media IRIB, expert teams from both sides engaged in negotiations at the technical level through specialized committees. However, sources close to the Iranian delegation described what they called a "maximalist approach" by the US side, both publicly and behind closed doors.

Issues related to the Strait of Hormuz—through which nearly 20% of global oil passes—and broader regional dynamics, including the situation in Lebanon, made the discussions particularly difficult, Baqaei noted.

Iran's Mehr News Agency reported that the Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, had departed Pakistan following the conclusion of talks.

The US delegation, led by Vice President Vance and including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, also departed Islamabad on Sunday.

Neither side has announced a date for the next round of talks. However, diplomatic sources suggest that the fragile two-week ceasefire -- brokered by Pakistan earlier this week -- may be extended to allow for continued negotiations.

A joint statement was not issued, but both sides have indicated a willingness to continue the dialogue.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry issued a brief statement Sunday morning, thanking both delegations for their constructive engagement and reiterating Islamabad's commitment to facilitating future talks.