Iran has rejected a central US demand to halt funding and support for its regional proxy network, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas, according to details emerging from marathon talks held in Islamabad on April 11–12.
Following 21 hours of direct negotiations, senior US officials—including Vice President JD Vance—confirmed that Tehran flatly refused to compromise on what it calls a core pillar of its national security doctrine. The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, made clear that backing these groups is “non-negotiable,” with reports indicating that IRGC leadership actively blocked any potential concessions.
The refusal highlights a fundamental clash: the US is demanding the dismantling of Iran’s “axis of resistance” as a precondition for sanctions relief, while Iran insists on maintaining its regional influence through armed proxies. As a result, the first round of talks ended without agreement, and President Trump has already moved to tighten economic pressure, including reinforcing the naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz.