April 12, 2026 — Nuclear Issue Unresolved.
Nuclear Program at Core of Dispute
Iran's nuclear program emerged as the fundamental obstacle to a peace deal during the Islamabad talks. President Trump stated before the negotiations that 'no nuclear weapon — that's 99% of it,' making clear that Washington's primary objective was securing Iran's permanent renunciation of nuclear weapons capability.
Iran's delegation, however, insisted that its nuclear activities are peaceful and that enrichment is a sovereign right. Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei argued that 'the success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests.'