U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance departs for Pakistan for talks with Iran

US Vice President JD Vance said on Friday he was hopeful of a “positive” outcome as he departed Washington to lead American negotiations with Iran in Pakistan. “We’re going to try to have a positive negotiation,” Vance told reporters before boarding his flight at Joint Base Andrews.

“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.”

Earlier, the White House said that Vance will head the US delegation in talks beginning Saturday in Islamabad, acting on directives from President Donald Trump.

The talks are seen as a critical step towards preventing renewed conflict after weeks of escalating hostilities.

According to officials, the US delegation will also include senior figures such as envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, underlining the importance Washington attaches to the negotiations.

Pakistan is hosting the dialogue as part of its broader mediation effort, having played a key role in brokering a temporary ceasefire between the two sides. The talks are widely viewed as high-stakes, with the outcome likely to shape regional stability and global energy markets.

Vance, speaking before departure, expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying the United States was seeking “constructive engagement” and remained hopeful of positive outcomes.

He added that clear guidance had been provided by President Donald Trump for the talks.

Diplomatic sources say the negotiations will address key issues, including ceasefire compliance, regional security concerns, and Iran’s nuclear programme, though significant differences remain between the parties.

Analysts note that Pakistan’s role has evolved into that of an active mediator, bringing both sides to the table despite deep mistrust.

However, they caution that the process remains fragile, with risks of derailment from regional actors and unresolved disputes.

The Islamabad talks mark one of the most significant direct engagements between the United States and Iran in decades, raising cautious hopes for a broader de-escalation in the region.