JD Vance arrives in Islamabad as ‘make-or-break’ Iran talks begin
US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Pakistan on Saturday with a senior delegation for high-stakes talks with Iranian leadership, taking place during a two week pause in the US-Israel conflict that was mediated by Pakistan.
He was received at Nur Khan Airbase by Ishaq Dar, Asim Munir and Mohsin Naqvi. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to facilitating dialogue aimed at long-term regional stability.
The Iranian delegation, led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi, arrived after securing a pause in Israeli strikes in Lebanon one of Tehran’s key preconditions for participation. Iran had also demanded access to frozen assets before entering talks.
The US delegation includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, along with officials from key national security and defence institutions.
These talks mark the first direct high level engagement between Washington and Tehran since 1979, but major disagreements persist. Iran insists that any ceasefire must cover all fronts, including Lebanon, while the US and Israel have treated it separately creating ongoing friction.
Washington is expected to push for strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme, while Tehran is demanding full sanctions relief, recognition of its nuclear rights, access to frozen funds, and guarantees over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the significance of the meeting, expectations remain cautious. With deep mistrust, ongoing tensions in Lebanon, and wider regional instability, a major breakthrough is unlikely in the initial phase, though the talks may pave the way for continued negotiations.
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