Vance indicated that President Donald Trump had provided him with “some pretty clear guidelines” for the discussions. The vice president is heading a high-level U.S. delegation that includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks, mediated in Pakistan, are scheduled to begin this weekend and represent the most significant direct U.S.-Iran engagement in years

News Desk/DNA

WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance left Washington on Friday for Islamabad, Pakistan, where he will lead U.S. negotiations with Iran aimed at solidifying a fragile ceasefire and potentially ending the recent conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force Two, Vance expressed optimism about the upcoming talks while delivering a firm warning to Tehran.”We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive,” Vance said. “As the president of the United States said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

Vance indicated that President Donald Trump had provided him with “some pretty clear guidelines” for the discussions. The vice president is heading a high-level U.S. delegation that includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks, mediated in Pakistan, are scheduled to begin this weekend and represent the most significant direct U.S.-Iran engagement in years.

The mission comes amid efforts to build on a recent ceasefire. Vance, long known as a skeptic of prolonged U.S. military engagements abroad, is stepping into a key diplomatic role at Trump’s request.

Pakistan is hosting the negotiations, positioning itself as a mediator in the sensitive talks.Vance’s departure marks his highest-profile international assignment to date as vice president. Outcomes from the Islamabad meetings could shape the trajectory of U.S. policy in the Middle East for the remainder of the Trump administration.