In a break with precedent, Iranian and US officials were meeting directly, alongside Pakistan, and not speaking through mediators who shuttled between rooms. Iran had sought the presence of Vance because of his top position and his reported initial opposition to the war. The Iranian military denied that any American warships had entered the waterway and threatened to respond if they did. Parts of Islamabad were shut down to allow the peace talks to take place. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking an atomic bomb and the United Nations nuclear watchdog reported no imminent threat of Tehran going nuclear.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 12, 2026 03:00 UTC