Vance Heads to Pakistan: "I Believe Iran Negotiations Will Be Constructive"

SadaNews - Before the anticipated talks in the Pakistan capital, Islamabad, between the American and Iranian delegations aimed at reaching a permanent agreement to end the war, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters before his plane took off from Andrews Air Force Base near the U.S. capital, "I look forward to the Iran negotiations, and I believe they will be constructive," but he also warned Tehran against "deceiving" his country.

Vance also added, "If the Iranians are ready to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly prepared to provide all support, but if they try to manipulate us, they will find that the negotiating team is not responsive."

He went on to say, "We will strive for positive negotiations," but noted that President Donald Trump had given clear directives regarding the negotiations.

J.D. Vance is leading his country's delegation, which also includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner to the Pakistani capital.

Arrival of the Iranian Delegation

Informed sources reported that there is no confirmed official information regarding the arrival of the Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf, along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Pakistan, but indicated that Pakistani media had confirmed the arrival of the Iranian delegation for the negotiations.

They also mentioned that the main negotiations between Tehran and Washington will be held tomorrow, Saturday.

"Direct Negotiations"

Additionally, Pakistani government sources, who requested anonymity, revealed that the two delegations will hold "direct" negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire. They added that the talks are scheduled to start tomorrow, Saturday, and may extend for more than one day, according to Anadolu Agency.

They clarified that the meetings will be held under heightened security measures, under the protection of the Pakistani army.

According to sources, there is no specific timeframe for the negotiations, which will include a mix of direct and indirect communications between the two delegations.

"Face to Face"

While one source said, "The two sides will meet face to face, and they will also hold separate talks with the Pakistani side." He added that discussions could last "several days" due to the "complex nature of the situation."

Another source pointed out that direct negotiations may not take "more than two or three days due to security concerns."

The Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, General Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif have been involved for weeks in intensive diplomatic efforts to stop a war that could increase instability along Pakistan's western borders with Iran and Afghanistan.

Analysts believe that once Pakistani officials bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiation table on Saturday, they will seek to steer the talks towards a permanent agreement.