Zero lessons earned, was inches away from deal: Iran blames US for talks collapse

Iran has said that US “maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade tactics” derailed what was “inches away” from becoming the proposed “Islamabad MoU,” as high-stakes talks between the two countries collapsed without a breakthrough after 21 hours of marathon negotiations.

In a post on X, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had entered its highest-level direct engagement with Washington in 47 years in good faith, aiming to help end the ongoing conflict, but “zero lessons earned”. He said negotiations broke down at a critical stage, just as a breakthrough appeared within reach.

His remark that the two sides were “inches away” from an agreement underscored how close the talks had come to success before tensions escalated sharply. Araghchi also issued a pointed warning, saying, “good will begets good will, enmity begets enmity,” signalling that Iran remains conditionally open to renewed diplomacy.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this stance, saying a diplomatic breakthrough with Washington is still possible if the US abandons what he described as “totalitarianism” and respects Iran’s rights. He added that under such conditions, “ways to reach an agreement will certainly be found.”

Pezeshkian also praised Iran’s negotiating team, including parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, for their efforts during the Islamabad talks. His remarks suggest Tehran is seeking to convey that, despite the collapse of talks at the final stage, the door to diplomacy remains open, provided the US changes its approach.

Meanwhile, the United States signalled a sharp escalation in tensions, with President Donald Trump saying the US Navy would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz.

In a social media post, Trump said the US would take action against any vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran, and would begin destroying mines he claimed Iran had deployed in the strait, a vital chokepoint through which roughly 20 per cent of global energy supplies pass.

"No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas," Trump wrote, adding: "Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!"

US Central Command (Centcom) said it would begin enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports from 10 am ET on Monday (7.30 pm IST).

In a statement, Centcom said its forces “will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports” in line with a presidential proclamation. It added that the measure would be applied “impartially against vessels of all nations” operating through Iranian ports and coastal zones, including facilities along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.