The US demand that Iran give up the right to any nuclear programme, including for civilian and medical purposes, has been cited as a key factor in the breakdown of talks.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, Iran’s 10-point framework did not include a full surrender of its nuclear ambitions, while US demands required Tehran to abandon even civilian nuclear activity, including for medical purposes.

Iranian officials have consistently maintained throughout the conflict that a religious decree issued by the supreme leader prohibits the development of nuclear weapons.

Iranian officials maintained that progress had been made in earlier rounds of talks in Geneva and Oman, where both sides reportedly came closer to reaching an understanding.

Observers said that a deep mistrust between the United States and Iran was also a major obstacle to progress, with recent developments and the breakdown of negotiations further complicating efforts to achieve peace.