Iran has revealed that a potential breakthrough agreement with the United States was just steps away during high-level talks in Islamabad. However, the deal ultimately collapsed, according to Tehran’s top diplomat.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said his country engaged in negotiations with the United States in “good faith” to bring an end to the ongoing war.
In a message shared on social media, Araqchi emphasized that the discussions marked the first time in 47 years that such high-level negotiations had taken place between the two sides.
The foreign minister revealed that both countries had come just inches away from finalizing a memorandum of understanding, referred to as the 'Islamabad MoU'.
In intensive talks at highest level in 47 years, Iran engaged with U.S in good faith to end war.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 12, 2026
But when just inches away from "Islamabad MoU", we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade.
Zero lessons earned
Good will begets good will.
Enmity begets enmity.
He noted that the talks had reached an advanced stage, raising hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough that could have de-escalated tensions and ended the conflict.
‘Maximalism’ and shifting positions
Despite the progress, Araqchi said the negotiations ultimately broke down due to what he described as “excessive conditions” and changing positions from the other side.
In his statement, he said the process encountered “maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade,” which prevented the agreement from being reached.
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Expressing disappointment, Araqchi said that “no lesson was learned” from the failed negotiations. He stressed that diplomacy requires mutual trust, adding that goodwill must be reciprocated to succeed.
Warning against growing hostility
The Iranian foreign minister concluded his message with a broader reflection on international relations, warning that hostility only fuels further conflict.
“Goodwill begets goodwill. Enmity begets enmity,” he said, underscoring the importance of constructive engagement over confrontation.
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