What’s next for the US-Iran peace process after talks end without a deal?

Senior diplomats from the United States and Iran held talks in Pakistan, which concluded on 12 April 2026, without reaching a deal, despite sources indicating that progress has been made in the negotiations.

The talks, which were facilitated by Pakistani officials, aimed to revive the stalled peace process between the two nations, with discussions focusing on key issues such as nuclear proliferation and regional security. The fact that the talks took place at all is significant, given the longstanding tensions between the US and Iran, and the lack of direct diplomatic engagement in recent years. Although no deal was reached, the mere fact that the two sides were willing to engage in face-to-face negotiations suggests a willingness to explore possible areas of agreement.

The US-Iran peace process has been fraught with difficulties, with both sides having fundamentally different perspectives on key issues. The process has been further complicated by regional dynamics, with other nations such as Saudi Arabia and Israel having significant interests in the outcome. The fact that the talks were held in Pakistan is also noteworthy, as the country has historically maintained good relations with both the US and Iran, and has sought to play a mediating role in the conflict. The peace process is also closely tied to broader regional security issues, including the conflict in Yemen and the role of proxy militias in the region.

The failure to reach a deal will likely be seen as a setback for those hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict, but the fact that progress has been made suggests that the door remains open for further negotiations. The next steps will likely involve a period of reflection and consultation, with both sides seeking to build on the progress made and address the outstanding issues that prevented a deal from being reached. The international community will be watching closely, as a peaceful resolution to the US-Iran conflict has significant implications for regional and global security, and could potentially have a positive impact on a range of related issues, including trade and economic development.