File photo: US Vice President JD Vance (Picture credit: AP)
US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad by Tuesday morning for high-stakes talks with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, as a fragile ceasefire approaches its expiry, according to an Axios report.The visit comes at a critical juncture, with US President Donald Trump warning that Washington could launch a fresh bombing campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure if no agreement is reached.While a comprehensive deal within the limited timeframe appears unlikely, the US has indicated it may extend the deadline if there are signs of progress.
Talks hinge on Iran’s participation amid internal pressure
Behind the scenes, negotiations faced uncertainty as Tehran delayed confirming its participation. Iranian negotiators were under pressure from the Revolutionary Guards to maintain a hardline stance, insisting that talks cannot proceed unless the US lifts its naval blockade.However, mediators including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey pushed for dialogue, and Iran’s negotiating team eventually received approval from the supreme leader to attend the talks late Monday night.Senior US officials, including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are also expected to be part of the delegation heading to Islamabad.
Ceasefire clock ticking, tensions remain high
The diplomatic push comes as both Washington and Tehran signal readiness to escalate if talks fail. Iran has accused the US of violating the truce through its blockade of Iranian ports, while Washington has alleged harassment of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” accusing the US of trying to turn talks into a “surrender table,” as per news agency AFP.The ceasefire, which began two weeks ago, is set to expire imminently, though Trump has suggested a slight extension to Wednesday evening.The outcome of the Islamabad talks is being closely watched globally, with the conflict already disrupting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one-fifth of the world’s energy supply.
