Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that the United States is now in a “very weak position” against Iran following the collapse of peace talks in Islamabad.
Speaking on MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Monday, April 13, 2026, Clinton criticised the Trump administration’s approach to the negotiations. She warned that the US has lost its strategic advantage and leverage over Tehran.
Clinton said the high-level talks, led by Vice President JD Vance along with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, lasted more than 21 hours but ended without any agreement. She described the effort as “a joke,” saying real diplomacy requires hard, disciplined work and cannot be achieved by simply showing up for a few hours and leaving.
“I worry that the United States is now in a very weak position vis-à-vis Iran,” Clinton stated. She added that Iran, which should be on the back foot, now appears stronger because the US has lost the initiative it once had.
Clinton, who played a key role in the earlier Iran nuclear negotiations during the Obama administration, stressed that successful diplomacy needs patience, preparation, and experienced negotiators. She questioned the administration’s strategy of sending the same small team to handle multiple complex issues like Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza.
The failed talks in Islamabad have increased uncertainty in the Middle East. Tensions remain high, and analysts fear that the lack of progress could lead to further escalation.
Clinton’s remarks have sparked debate in Washington. Supporters of the Trump administration dismissed her comments as political criticism, while others say they highlight the challenges of dealing with Iran through rushed diplomacy.
