File photo: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance (Photo source: Associated Press)
U.S. Vice President Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday morning for high-stakes talks with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict as the fragile ceasefire agreement is set to expire, Axios reported.The visit comes at a critical time, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning that Washington could launch a new bombing campaign against Iranian infrastructure if a deal is not reached.While a comprehensive deal within a limited timeframe seems unlikely, the United States has said it may extend the deadline if there are signs of progress.
Negotiations hinge on Iran’s participation amid internal pressure
Behind the scenes, negotiations face uncertainty as Tehran delays confirming its participation. Iranian negotiators have come under pressure from the Revolutionary Guards to maintain a hardline stance, insisting that talks cannot proceed unless the United States lifts its naval blockade.However, mediators including Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye pushed for dialogue, and the Iranian negotiating team finally received approval from the supreme leader to participate in talks on Monday night.Senior U.S. officials, including special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are also expected to be part of the delegation to Islamabad.
Ceasefire clock ticks, tensions remain high
The diplomatic push comes as both Washington and Tehran say they are prepared to escalate the situation if talks fail. Iran accuses the United States of violating the armistice by blocking Iranian ports, while Washington accuses it of harassing ships in the Strait of Hormuz.According to Agence France-Presse, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats” and accused the United States of trying to turn the negotiations into a “surrender table.”A ceasefire that began two weeks ago is set to expire, although Trump has suggested extending it slightly until Wednesday night.The outcome of the Islamabad talks is closely watched globally, and the conflict has disrupted the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about a fifth of the world’s energy supply.
