The United States and Iran have ended face-to-face talks without an agreement, leaving a fragile two-week ceasefire in the war in the Middle East in doubt. The United States and Iran entered talks with sharply different proposals and contrasting assumptions about their leverage to end the war. Before negotiations began, the ceasefire was already threatened by deep disagreements and Israel’s continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. The United States’ 15-point proposal included restricting Iran’s nuclear programme and reopening the strait. Israel pressed ahead with strikes after the ceasefire was announced, saying the agreement did not apply there.

Source: Irish Examiner April 12, 2026 12:37 UTC