US Vice President JD Vance departed Friday for Pakistan carrying a stark warning for Iran as he leads crucial negotiations aimed at ending the six-week war between the two nations. The talks in Islamabad represent the most significant diplomatic effort yet to transform a fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement.
If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.
JD Vance, US Vice President — The Independent
The vice president's mission comes as the temporary ceasefire appears increasingly precarious. Both sides have accused each other of violations, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz remaining largely closed despite agreements to reopen the vital shipping route. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Iran's handling of the waterway, calling their performance "dishonourable."
Vance will be joined by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who participated in earlier indirect negotiations. The White House has provided minimal details about the talks' format or specific expectations, though officials indicate discussions will cover Iran's nuclear enrichment program and trade flow through the strait.
Iran has set preconditions that could complicate the negotiations. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf insisted that two previously agreed measures must be implemented before talks begin: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets.