Deal Was Ready, Then Trump Stepped In: How US-Iran Talks Were Delayed In Islamabad | Exclusive

Last Updated:April 18, 2026, 13:44 IST

High-stakes US-Iran talks hit a last-minute pause after Trump asked Vice President JD Vance to return, even as the agreement was ready for signing.

In a dramatic last-minute twist, high-stakes peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad were delayed after US President Donald Trump sought to retain final control over the agreement and its announcement, sources in Pakistan told CNN-News18.

According to sources familiar with the developments, negotiations had reached an advanced stage after continuous meetings between US Vice President JD Vance and the Iranian delegation. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been finalised, and the stage was set for a formal signing.

However, just as the agreement was about to be concluded, Vance reportedly called Trump to inform him that the deal was ready and that both sides were prepared to sign.

Last-Minute Intervention From Washington

Sources said Trump asked Vance to pause the process and return for consultations, indicating that he wanted to personally review the agreement and potentially claim credit for the breakthrough.

Following the call, Vance returned to the negotiating room and informed the Iranian side that the signing would be deferred, stating that Trump wanted to discuss the matter further before any formal commitment.

The sudden move led to the US delegation stepping out of the talks, leaving the Iranian representatives waiting at the venue.

Iran Refuses To Walk Out First

Sources said the Iranian side made it clear to Pakistani interlocutors that they would not be the first to leave the negotiating table. They conveyed that their presence was based on assurances from Islamabad and Beijing.

Pakistan’s Role ‘Limited’, China Seen As Key Guarantor

Sources indicated that Pakistan’s role in the process was largely facilitative, with Beijing emerging as the principal guarantor behind the scenes.

China had already outlined a five-point framework to Iran during earlier engagements between Chinese officials and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in March. Islamabad, in this view, was acting more as a conduit for Chinese interests rather than an independent mediator.

The developments also come at a time when Pakistan is grappling with internal economic challenges, even as it publicly projects diplomatic success.

Security Concerns And Regional Pressures

Sources further pointed to Islamabad’s strategic anxieties, particularly its nearly 900-kilometre border with Iran, as a key factor shaping its cautious approach.

There were also concerns within Pakistani circles about defence treaty obligations with Saudi Arabia. In the event of a wider regional escalation, Pakistan could have faced pressure to align militarily against Iran, an outcome that both Islamabad and Beijing are believed to have carefully evaluated.

Any such escalation, sources suggested, would have exposed vulnerabilities not just in Pakistan’s security posture but also in Chinese investments in the region.

A Fragile Process

The episode underscores the fragility of the ongoing diplomatic process, where even near-final agreements remain vulnerable to political calculations at the highest level.

A fresh round of negotiations between the United States and Iran is expected to take place in Islamabad on Monday, April 20, CNN reported quoting Iranian sources. Officials familiar with the discussions said delegations from both sides are likely to arrive in Pakistan on Sunday ahead of the meeting. The talks come after earlier rounds failed to produce a breakthrough.

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