The third round of talks between Iran and the U.S. ends without breakthrough, with key issues remaining unresolved.

ME News reports that, on April 12 (UTC+8), the third round of negotiations between Iran and the United States in Islamabad concluded locally on April 12. Iran described this round as the “final opportunity” to reach a framework agreement. Since April 11, both sides have engaged in intensive talks that extended into the late night, racing to leverage the temporary ceasefire window. However, sharp disagreements persist on three core issues: control of the Strait of Hormuz, the unfreezing of overseas assets, and uranium enrichment. Sources familiar with the talks stated that, since the negotiations began in Islamabad, no substantive progress has been made due to the U.S. side’s “excessive demands.” They also noted that some Western media are exaggerating the “positive atmosphere” of the talks in an effort to influence global energy prices. The fourth round of talks between Iran and the United States will resume on Sunday. Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Baghaei provided an update on the progress of the negotiations in Islamabad early this morning local time. According to his briefing, negotiations mediated by Pakistan began on the morning of April 11 and are still ongoing. Both sides have exchanged substantial information, with Iranian negotiators “making every effort to safeguard Iran’s rights and interests.” The briefing stated that discussions covered all aspects of key issues, including the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear matters, war reparations, sanctions relief, and the complete cessation of hostilities against Iran and the Middle East. It emphasized that the success of this diplomatic process hinges on the U.S. side’s sincerity—specifically, whether it makes unreasonable and unlawful demands and whether it accepts Iran’s legitimate rights. Outside the negotiation table, U.S. forces announced mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel’s Prime Minister declared continued strikes against Iran and its proxies. With the ceasefire window rapidly closing, diplomatic maneuvering and military actions are intensifying in tandem, as the Middle East stands at a crossroads between war and peace. (Source: BlockBeats)