US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday to lead an American diplomatic group, provided Iran consents to additional discussions in the Pakistani capital as the ongoing ceasefire nears its end. Accompanying Vance will be Steve Witkoff, special envoy for President Donald Trump, and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law. However, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed concerns over a profound historical distrust toward the United States, citing inconsistent and unhelpful messages from American leaders that appear aimed at forcing Iran’s capitulation. He emphasized that Iranians will not yield to coercion.
A high-ranking Iranian official informed Reuters that Tehran is favorably considering involvement, with indications that parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf would lead their team if Vance participates. Ghalibaf later stated on X that Iran rejects talks under duress, noting preparations to deploy new strategies in combat. He criticized Trump for attempting to transform the negotiation process into one of submission or a pretext for resuming hostilities.
Iran has demanded the removal of the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump reiterated that Iran must be prevented from developing nuclear arms and expressed openness to direct meetings with Iranian officials. Earlier, Trump caused confusion in a New York Post interview by suggesting Vance’s team was en route immediately, but US authorities clarified that departure is planned for Tuesday morning contingent on the talks proceeding.
A potential second session of critical negotiations to conclude the conflict, initiated by US and Israeli airstrikes in late February, is slated for Wednesday if approved, against the risk of resumed combat. Trump indicated the two-week truce with Iran concludes Wednesday evening Washington time, granting an additional day for the Islamabad meeting. In a Bloomberg interview, he deemed further extensions improbable, hinting at possible resumption of strikes soon after, yet stressed avoidance of hasty, unfavorable agreements.
Vance previously directed the US side in 21 hours of unsuccessful talks with Iran this month, which failed when Iran refused to halt nuclear enrichment and relinquish its 440kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iranian representatives highlighted a lack of confidence in the US and sought guarantees against future attacks upon reaching a deal. Despite heavy bombardment in the five-week joint US-Israeli operation, Iran’s leaders maintain they have not been overcome.
Pakistan has been readying for the talks since Sunday, implementing strict security measures and halting public transit in the capital. The local power authority assured no electricity interruptions during the proceedings. Daily outages of six to seven hours have become common in Pakistani cities due to fuel shortages from the dual blockades of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and the US.
Trump established the blockade on Iranian harbors following Iran’s imposition of fees on vessels in the vital passage. On Sunday, US forces captured an Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting passage, sparking fears of heightened tensions derailing peace efforts. US Central Command reported the vessel, Touska, disregarded warnings for six hours before a destroyer disabled its engines, followed by marines from the USS Tripoli boarding via helicopter.
Although Iran temporarily eased its blockade on Friday, it reinstated it Saturday due to the ongoing US restrictions. That day, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards targeted one tanker, and an unidentified projectile hit another container ship. Shipping through the strait has nearly halted, with only three tankers passing on Monday compared to 18 on Saturday. Brent crude oil prices rose $5 to over $95, driven by increased risks at sea.
The US State Department announced that Israel and Lebanon will conduct a second round of ambassadorial discussions in Washington on Thursday, marking their initial talks since a 10-day ceasefire.
