Vice President JD Vance has delayed a planned trip to Islamabad, where he was expected to lead a U.S. delegation in talks with Iran. Instead of departing, Vance returned to Washington for meetings at the White House, as uncertainty continues over whether Iranian officials will participate in the مذاکرات.
The proposed talks in Islamabad were intended to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and regional tensions. Vance had previously traveled to Pakistan alongside envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, but those earlier discussions did not produce an agreement. U.S. officials have said a key sticking point remains Iran’s refusal to commit to abandoning nuclear weapons development.
Diplomatic uncertainty comes as military pressure in the region continues. U.S. forces, under United States Central Command, have reportedly turned away dozens of ships attempting to approach Iranian ports, enforcing a blockade in nearby waters. The situation has heightened tensions ahead of the expiration of a temporary ceasefire.
Pakistani officials say they are still awaiting confirmation from Tehran on whether a delegation will attend. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the talks as critical and said mediators remain in contact with Iranian counterparts. At the same time, U.S. diplomatic representatives have continued discussions with Pakistani leadership to keep negotiations on track.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly criticized the negotiations, reflecting ongoing friction between the two sides. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has indicated he prefers a permanent agreement rather than extending the current ceasefire, underscoring the urgency and high stakes surrounding the potential talks.
