ISLAMABAD/BEIRUT, April 12 (V7N) – Marathon peace talks between the United States and Iran ended without agreement Sunday, deepening uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire as violence in Lebanon escalated and global leaders urged restraint.  

US Vice President JD Vance said after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad that he was leaving after presenting a “final and best offer,” insisting Washington needed an “affirmative commitment” from Tehran not to pursue nuclear weapons. Iran’s foreign ministry countered that success depended on the US avoiding “excessive and unlawful demands” and respecting Iran’s “legitimate rights.”  

The Strait of Hormuz remained a flashpoint, with Iran denying US claims that warships had begun mine-clearing operations and warning that military vessels attempting passage “will be dealt with severely.” President Donald Trump downplayed the talks, saying it “makes no difference” if a deal is reached, insisting the US has already won the war.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes “crushed” by joint US-Israeli action, while agreeing to peace talks with Lebanon’s government on the condition that Hezbollah be disarmed. Lebanon’s health ministry reported the death toll from Israeli strikes had risen past 2,020, including 248 women and 165 children.  

Pope Leo XIV denounced “warmongers” in one of his strongest appeals yet for peace, urging the world to “believe once again in love, moderation and good politics.” French President Emmanuel Macron said he pressed Iran’s leader Masoud Pezeshkian to seize the Islamabad talks as an opportunity for “lasting de-escalation.”  

Despite international appeals, mistrust remains entrenched. Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said past negotiations with the US had only yielded “failure and broken promises.” Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador in Washington reiterated refusal to discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, though formal peace talks with Lebanon are scheduled at the US State Department on Tuesday.  

END/WD/RH