File photo: US Vice President J.D. Vance (Image source: AP)
US Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad by Tuesday morning for high-stakes talks with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, with a fragile ceasefire set to expire, Axios reports.The visit comes at a critical juncture, as US President Donald Trump warned that Washington may launch a new bombing campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure if an agreement is not reached.While a comprehensive agreement seems unlikely to be reached within the limited time frame, the United States has indicated that it may extend the deadline if there are signs of progress.
The talks depend on Iran’s participation amid internal pressure
Behind the scenes, the negotiations faced uncertainty as Tehran was late in confirming its participation. Iranian negotiators have come under pressure from the Revolutionary Guards to maintain a tough stance, insisting that the talks cannot continue unless the United States lifts its naval blockade.However, mediators, including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, pushed for dialogue, and the Iranian 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.
The ceasefire clock is ticking, and tensions remain high
This diplomatic push comes at a time when both Washington and Tehran indicate their willingness to escalate if the talks fail. Iran accused the United States of violating the truce by blockading Iranian ports, while Washington claimed it was harassing ships in the Strait of Hormuz.Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said, “We do not accept negotiations in light of threats,” accusing the United States of trying to turn the talks into a “surrender table,” according to Agence France-Presse.The ceasefire, which began two weeks ago, is set to end soon, although Trump suggested a slight extension until Wednesday evening.The outcome of the Islamabad talks is being closely watched globally, as the conflict has already disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about a fifth of the world’s energy supplies.
