Netanyahu sabotaged the negotiations: 21 hours of talks ended without result

The latest round of US–Iran diplomacy in Islamabad concluded without a breakthrough. The talks, the highest‑level direct engagement since 1979, collapsed after 21 hours, with Tehran accusing Washington of prioritising Israeli interests over a genuine peace deal. These considered the most senior face-to-face contact since the Iranian Revolution—ended with both delegations departing without a framework agreement. Observers cite disagreements on strategic files alongside external political pressure as decisive factors in the deadlock. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s relentless behind‑the‑scenes interventions and a provocative video message helped derail historic US‑Iran negotiations in Islamabad, according to Iranian officials.

The phone call Vance received

The most significant direct talks between the United States and Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution ended without a framework for lasting peace, with Iranian officials openly blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the failure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a phone call between Netanyahu and US Vice President JD Vance during the negotiations shifted the focus from the US‑Iran agenda to Israeli interests. Araghchi stated that “Washington is trying to gain at the negotiating table what it failed to achieve on the battlefield” and “We came in good faith, but remain firm on sovereignty,” he added.

J.D. Vance

A provocative video targeted Iran

While talks were ongoing, Netanyahu released a video message, approximately 13 minutes long, signaling continued military pressure on Iran and its regional network. In his speech in the video, Netanyahu stated that attacks against Iran would continue, effectively targeting the negotiating table by saying, "Iran is now fighting for its survival." In the video, Netanyahu targeted not only Iran but also Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, with statements such as "Iran is begging for a ceasefire" and "We have crossed the threshold of fear in Iran," which were interpreted as a direct challenge to the negotiation process. The Israeli Prime Minister's claim that Iran's nuclear capabilities had been largely destroyed, and that the process would be completed through other means if necessary, was also seen as a defiance of any potential agreement in Islamabad.

Bloody attack on Lebanon

The third and most critical step was the developments on the ground. Despite it being known that this was one of Iran's primary conditions, the occupying forces increased their attacks on southern Lebanon, particularly the Sidon region, at a critical juncture in the negotiations. This was interpreted as a military sabotage attempt proceeding simultaneously with diplomatic efforts. The death toll from the attacks on southern Lebanon since the night hours has reached 11.

US President in Cage Fight

It is noted that US President Trump's statements, made while negotiations were ongoing and downplaying the importance of the outcome, further damaged the already fragile trust between the parties. Speaking to reporters at the White House the previous day, Trump said, "As you've probably been following, they've been talking for hours. We'll see what happens. In any case, we're winning. Whatever happens, we're winning. Maybe they'll make a deal, maybe they won't. From the US perspective, we're winning." The US President's words led to the assessment that he "doesn't care about the outcome of the negotiations." The fact that the US President attended a UFC cage fighting match in Florida while critical talks were underway in Islamabad also drew criticism.

Emphasis on trust

A significant statement also came from Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who headed the Iranian delegation in the negotiations. Qalibaf, who stated that they had emphasized their good faith and necessary will before the negotiations, said, "We have no trust in the other side due to the previous two wars. The US understood our logic and principles. The other side failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations. It is time to decide whether they can gain our trust." Qalibaf also stated that they would continue to protect the interests of the Iranian people through both military and diplomatic means, adding that they viewed diplomacy as a method alongside military struggle.

Qalibaf.

The fact that the key is in our hands

Ali Akbar Velayati, chief advisor to Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei, also made a statement regarding the Strait of Hormuz on his social media account. Stating that the aim and fundamental principle of Iranian diplomacy throughout history has been to protect Iran, Velayati said, "The key to the Strait of Hormuz is in our strong hands."

Ready for attack order

Israel has also signaled that attacks against Iran could resume. Energy Minister Eli Cohen said that Tehran could be targeted if an agreement cannot be reached. In an interview with the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Cohen stated, "The nuclear issue is an international matter, and it is positive that Donald Trump has set red lines on this issue." He then issued the threat, "If there is no agreement, Iran could be struck." Speaking about Lebanon, Cohen said that Israel should target not only Lebanese military forces but also their facilities and infrastructure. Meanwhile, it was reported that the Israeli General Staff had given the army an order to "be ready to attack Iran."

Key sticking points remain unresolved

In Islamabad, negotiations stalled over three main issues, according to the New York Times: Reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of approximately 900 pounds of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, and the release of nearly $27 billion in frozen Iranian revenues. The US pushed for immediate reopening of maritime routes, while Iran linked the step to a comprehensive agreement. However, Iran, unwilling to lose leverage over this critical transit point for oil tankers, stated it would only do so after a final peace agreement. According to officials, Iran also demanded compensation for damages caused by six weeks of airstrikes and the release of frozen oil revenues for the country's reconstruction. Another point of disagreement was President Trump's demand that Iran transfer its entire stockpile of enriched uranium. While Iran offered a counter-proposal, the parties failed to reach an agreement on this issue.

Trump imposes a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz!

US President Donald Trump announced that a blockade would be imposed on all ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz. The US President claimed that Iran had promised to open the Strait of Hormuz but had deliberately failed to do so. In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump stated that US forces would immediately "begin the process of blockading all ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz." He added, "At some point we will reach a system where 'everyone is allowed to enter and exit,' but Iran has not allowed this." Trump also said he had instructed the US Navy to identify and stop all ships paying transit fees to Iran in international waters. "No one paying illegal transit fees will have the right to safe passage on the high seas," he said. Trump also stated that mines laid by Iranians in the Strait of Hormuz would be destroyed, and that "any Iranian who fires at us or peaceful vessels will be sent to hell." US President also threatened that the US was "on alert and fully prepared." Iran responded to Trump's statements. The Revolutionary Guard Corps stated, "Any military vessel attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz under any pretext or pretext will be considered a violation of the ceasefire and will be severely punished."