US-Iran talks became heated, nearly turned physical – report

The confrontation escalated into shouting, prompting Pakistani mediators to intervene and separate the delegations.

By World Israel News Staff

Tensions reportedly escalated during overnight U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad, with negotiations breaking down amid a heated exchange between senior officials.

According to a report published by Israel Hayom, the meeting began with a handshake between Iranian delegation head Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, alongside tea and refreshments, but quickly deteriorated as accusations were directed at U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The confrontation escalated into shouting, prompting Pakistani mediators to intervene and separate the delegations.

Turkish journalist Cetiner Cetin claimed on X that the exchange nearly turned physical, writing: “A few minutes ago, there was tension between Minister Abbas Araghchi and Witkoff that nearly led to a physical fight due to serious disagreements over the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Never threaten the Iranians.”

Vice President J.D. Vance later left Islamabad without a deal after 21 hours of negotiations, saying, “We have not reached an agreement,” and placing responsibility on Tehran for rejecting U.S. terms.

He added that Washington is seeking a firm commitment that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons, saying, “we haven’t seen that yet.”

According to The New York Times, citing Iranian officials familiar with the talks, key disputes remain over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, and Tehran’s demand for the release of roughly $27 billion in frozen assets.

U.S. officials reportedly pushed for the immediate reopening of the strait, but Iran rejected the demand, saying there will be no change until a broader agreement is reached.

Abbas AraghchiIslamabadsteve witkoffUS Iran talks