KABUL: The head of the U.S. negotiating team in the trilateral talks in Islamabad says Iran refused to accept U.S. conditions, which he described as containing a “final and best” offer.
CNN reported that Vance made the remarks on Sunday in response to a question from the network’s reporter in Islamabad.
Vance said the proposed conditions were highly “flexible,” adding that the main obstacle to a U.S.-Iran agreement was Iran’s refusal to drop its nuclear program.
“It’s just bad news,” he said. “But we have not reached an agreement. And I think the bad news for Iran is worse than it is for the United States. So we’re going back to the U.S. without a deal.”
He also expressed hope that Iran would respond to the U.S. proposals, saying it remains to be seen whether Tehran will accept Washington’s offer.
Vance added that during the 21-hour talks with the Iranian delegation, he had been in contact with Donald Trump, the U.S. President, and other senior U.S. officials between 6 and 12 times.
Although the U.S. negotiator said he came to Islamabad in good faith and made every effort to reach a deal, Iranian officials have said Washington can reach an agreement with Tehran through “good faith” and by avoiding “excessive demands” and “illegal” requests.
J.D. Vance: Iran rejects Washington’s “final offer” in Islamabad talks
