NYT: Trump faces tough choices after stalled talks in Pakistan

2026-04-12 18:54:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program have reached a stalemate, and it is not surprising that US Vice President JD Vance could not immediately secure the concessions Washington sought after a marathon round of talks.

This development leaves the US administration with difficult choices: either a long and complicated negotiation with Tehran or the resumption of a conflict that has already caused serious turmoil in the global energy market, with particular tension over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

US officials said the final decision would be made by the president himself, with any possible option coming with significant political and strategic costs. Vance declined to provide details about the talks, which lasted more than 21 hours, suggesting he presented Iran with a "take it or leave it" proposal for permanent abandonment of its nuclear program, which the Iranian side rejected.

The standoff is reminiscent of the failed Geneva talks in February, which prompted Trump to order a 38-day military campaign targeting Iranian military bases and industrial infrastructure. Despite the intensity of the attacks, Tehran has remained steadfast, saying it will not back down under pressure.

For its part, Iranian diplomacy has stressed that the losses the country has suffered have strengthened its resolve to defend its national interests. At the same time, Washington appears wary of a protracted negotiation, with Trump believing he has already won and essentially demanding Iran's complete withdrawal.

However, history shows that such agreements take time and compromise. The Obama-era agreement took two years of negotiations and included significant concessions from both sides.

Meanwhile, the fragile ceasefire expires on April 21, with Trump holding up the threat of resuming military operations as a key negotiating lever. However, such a move carries serious risks, as the previous conflict caused major market turmoil, rising energy prices and rising inflation.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue, which Iran uses as a key lever of pressure, linking it to demands such as payment of compensation and lifting of sanctions. The United States refuses to pay compensation and appears willing to consider lifting sanctions only gradually.

However, the latest meeting showed that both sides believe they have emerged victorious from the first phase of the conflict—the United States because of the military power it demonstrated and Iran because it resisted the attacks. However, neither side seems willing to make any significant compromises at this time./New York Times