Vance warns Iran not to 'play' the US as he departs for peace talks in Pakistan
The Times of Israel • • nation
Key Points:
- US Vice President JD Vance is leading high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at ending the six-week war between the US, Israel, and Iran, following a temporary ceasefire declared by President Trump.
- The talks are complicated by Iran's demands, including an end to Israeli operations in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets, while the US insists on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Vance, known for his skepticism of foreign military interventions and limited diplomatic experience, is joined by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner in the negotiations.
- The ceasefire remains fragile with unresolved core war objectives such as preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and dismantling its missile program, and the political stakes are high for Vance as a potential 2028 presidential contender.
- The White House has kept details of the talks vague but expresses optimism for a lasting deal, emphasizing that any agreement must prioritize American interests.
