High-profile Iranian officials arrive in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad for ceasefire talks with the United States.
An Iranian delegation, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Islamabad for the talks, reports Al Jazeera.
Upon arrival, the delegation was received by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, according to Dawn.
Meanwhile, US Vice-President JD Vance is also on his way to Islamabad, signaling Washington’s direct involvement in the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Before departure for Pakistan talks, JD Vance said, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend an open hand.”
But he added, “If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.”
He also said, US President Donald Trump had given the US negotiating team “some pretty clear guidelines”.
Also on the US delegation is the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who served as an adviser during Trump’s first term and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, BBC reports.
Both of these men have been involved in ceasefire negotiations on behalf of the US for an end to the Israel-Gaza war and talks to stop fighting between Russia and Ukraine.
