Photo: JONATHAN ERNST / AFP / Getty Images
Vice President JD Vance departed Washington on Friday (April 10), heading to Islamabad to lead the U.S. delegation in high-stakes peace talks with Iran this weekend, as Pakistan mediates efforts to extend a fragile ceasefire after six weeks of conflict. The talks come as both sides maintain sharp differences on key issues and amid escalating violence in Lebanon.
Pakistan’s goal for the summit is modest: securing an agreement for the U.S. and Iran to continue dialogue, rather than expecting a breakthrough. The delegations, which will be housed at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, will not meet face-to-face but will participate in so-called proximity talks, with Pakistani officials shuttling messages between them. The American team includes President Donald Trump’s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Vice President Vance told reporters before leaving, "We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive," adding that the U.S. would extend "an open hand" if Iran negotiates in good faith, but would not be receptive to stalling tactics. He noted that President Trump had given the U.S. team "some pretty clear guidelines" for the negotiations.
The talks follow a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, which saw global leaders from the United Nations, France, Turkiye, and others praise Islamabad’s mediation efforts. However, violence has continued in Lebanon, with Israeli strikes killing over 300 people in a single day, according to Lebanese and Iranian officials. Iran insists that Lebanon is covered under the ceasefire, while the U.S. and Israel say it is not. This dispute remains a key obstacle as negotiations begin.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, is also a major point of contention. According to NBC News, only nineteen vessels have transited the strait since the ceasefire began, compared to a normal average of over one hundred per day, highlighting ongoing risk to global energy supplies. The U.S. is expected to press for verifiable restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and reopening of the strait, while Iran is seeking sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium.
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have been widely recognized, with more than 25 diplomatic contacts made in 48 hours ahead of the talks. Still, analysts caution that progress will be slow.
The peace talks will be closely watched for any signs of movement toward a lasting agreement or extension of the ceasefire. Both sides appear willing to negotiate, but significant hurdles remain, including disputes over Lebanon, nuclear restrictions, sanctions, and maritime security. The talks are expected to continue over the next several days, with international attention focused on Islamabad’s role as mediator.