Diverging accounts have emerged following the conclusion of US-Iran talks in Islamabad, which ended without an agreement.

Quoting sources close to the Iranian delegation, Fars news agency said the US was “looking for an excuse” to leave the negotiating table.

“The Americans needed the negotiations for their lost face in the international arena and were unwilling to lower their expectations despite the defeat and stalemate in the war with Iran,” the source said.

The source said the United States appeared reluctant to adjust its expectations during the negotiations, while also indicating that Washington may have been prepared to conclude the talks without a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, another source cited by Tasnim News Agency said “the ball is in America’s court,” adding that Iran had presented proposals during the negotiations and was not under immediate pressure to resume talks.

The source said Tehran would assess the situation going forward, noting that no timeline or venue has been set for a possible next round of discussions.

According to Press TV, key areas of disagreement included the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear-related issues, and other broader demands from both sides, which prevented the two countries from reaching a framework agreement.

The latest round of talks in Islamabad — the first direct high-level contact between the US and Iran in decades — was aimed at building on a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire, but longstanding differences continue to pose challenges to a breakthrough.