JD Vance may visit Islamabad today for peace talks
US Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit Islamabad on Tuesday for discussions with Iran aimed at concluding the seven-week conflict, as reported by sources. On Monday, US President Donald Trump informed that the delegation led by Vance was already on its way to Islamabad, whereas other media sources indicated that the vice president remained in Washington. Vance is anticipated to arrive in Islamabad as the two-week ceasefire, established between the US and Iran on April 8, concludes amidst Trump’s threats to target bridges and power plants in Iran should negotiations falter. With Vance anticipated to arrive in Islamabad late Tuesday, Trump has effectively prolonged the ceasefire by an additional day until Wednesday. Vice President Vance is anticipated to travel to Islamabad by Tuesday morning for discussions with Iran regarding a possible agreement to conclude the conflict,” reported by sources.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are anticipated to accompany Vance. The tenuous ceasefire between the United States and Iran faced another challenge on Sunday, as a US guided-missile destroyer engaged and captured an Iranian cargo ship attempting to breach the US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman, exacerbating tensions with Iran. Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye encouraged the Iranian team to participate in the meeting, as reported. However, the source indicated that the team did not depart until they obtained approval from Iran’s supreme leader. On Monday, it is reported that the Iranian delegation’s plan to travel to Islamabad was confirmed by two Iranian officials.
Mohammed-Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, is anticipated to head the delegation. Source familiar with the situation, reported that the Iranians were delaying progress amid evident pressure from the Revolutionary Guards on the negotiators to adopt a more stringent stance, insisting on no discussions without the cessation of the US blockade. The United States stands at a pivotal juncture in its negotiations with Iran, contrasting sharply with the unfavorable agreement established during the Obama Administration, as noted by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in her remarks. “Anyone who cannot see President Trump’s tactics to play the long game is either uninformed or deliberately overlooking the facts,” she stated Monday night.
In the initial round of discussions on April 11, American negotiators put forth a proposal for a 20-year suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment, according to a source familiar with the talks as reported. According to a US official, Iran has put forth a proposal for a five-year suspension, which has been rejected by the United States. Trump asserted on Monday that he did not feel compelled to finalize a deal, notwithstanding the increasing unpopularity of the war among the American populace and its contribution to elevated gas prices. I am under no pressure whatsoever; however, it will all transpire in a relatively swift manner!” he articulated on Truth Social.
