The two countries are still far apart on the big issues, with American midterms looming and no quick way out
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenAmber Wangin BeijingPublished: 8:00pm, 12 Apr 2026Updated: 8:06pm, 12 Apr 2026The failure of the weekend US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan has left US President Donald Trump with a tough choice on resuming strikes, according to Chinese analysts.With midterm elections looming, further conflict would be unpopular in the United States but no military action would mean a continued stalemate over access to the Strait of Hormuz.The strait and Iran’s nuclear issues were among the main points debated during 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, according to Iranian officials.AdvertisementThose officials accused the US of making “excessive demands”, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over a two-week ceasefire struck on Tuesday.
When he emerged from the discussions on Sunday, US Vice-President J.D. Vance said the nuclear issue was a key sticking point.
Vance said Washington needed to see an “affirmative commitment” that Iran would not seek to develop nuclear weapons and would not seek the tools to build them quickly.
