US VP Vance Ready to Fly to Pakistan Amid Uncertainty Over Iran Talks
US Vice President JD Vance's Pakistan visit to focus on Iran's decision and stalled peace negotiations.
US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan on Tuesday for discussions involving Iran, accompanied by White House advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, it remains unclear whether Iranian officials will attend the talks.
An Iranian official stated on Monday that Tehran is “positively reviewing” its participation in negotiations, despite previous indications that it would not take part. The official added that no final decision has been made.
Reports from Iranian media on Tuesday indicated that no delegation from Tehran has yet departed for the talks. However, a Pakistani source involved in the discussions expressed optimism that talks could resume on Wednesday, with the possibility of US President Donald Trump attending in person or virtually if a deal is reached.
“Things are moving forward and the talks are on track for tomorrow,” the source said anonymously.
The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has been paused under a two-week ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday.
According to reports, the US had been awaiting a decision from Tehran regarding its stance on rejoining negotiations. Tehran has been under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has opposed negotiations unless the US lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran is reportedly awaiting approval from its Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not made a public appearance since suffering serious injuries in February during the initial US-Israeli attacks on Iran. These attacks came as part of a campaign to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and push for regime change.
The US initiated the ceasefire in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which had been closed in response to the attacks. The first round of peace talks, held in Pakistan, ended without a deal, leading to further escalations, including the US imposing a blockade and Iran again shutting the strategic waterway.
Tensions rose further on Sunday when the US seized an Iranian cargo ship believed to carry dual-use items with potential military applications. In response, Trump reiterated threats to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran if it rejects his terms for a peace deal. Iran has warned that it would target civilian facilities in Gulf Arab states if the US follows through.
Overnight Monday-Tuesday, Iran’s chief negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticized Trump’s approach to the talks. “Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table — in his own imagination — into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Ghalibaf wrote. “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield.”
Trump has insisted the blockade will remain in place until Tehran agrees to a peace deal. “THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a ‘DEAL,’ is absolutely destroying Iran,” he posted, claiming the country is losing $500 million a day.
Read More: US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire
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