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[Herald Economy=Reporter Jang Yun-woo] U.S. Vice President JD Vance departed for Pakistan to pursue negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran, offering cautious optimism while issuing a stern warning.
On April 10, at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., Vance told reporters just before boarding, “I’m looking forward to the negotiations. I expect them to be positive.”
He added, “If Iran comes to the talks in good faith, we’re willing to reach out,” but cautioned, “If they try to play games with us, they’ll learn the U.S. delegation won’t be so accommodating.” He also said President Donald Trump had given “pretty clear” negotiating guidelines.
Vance’s comments signaled guarded hope for progress while making clear the United States is prepared to respond forcefully if Tehran negotiates insincerely.
On April 11 in Islamabad, Vance will sit down with Iran’s delegation alongside Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. This will be the first meeting since the U.S. and Iran agreed to a Pakistan-mediated, two-week cease-fire. The talks aim to end the war that began Feb. 28.
Iran’s delegation has already arrived in Islamabad. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly landed late on the night of April 9.
Tehran is said to be presenting a 10-point list of demands, including withdrawal of U.S. forces, full lifting of sanctions, formal recognition of its right to enrich uranium, and compensation for war damage. Some requests—such as a broad U.S. military pullback from the region—would be difficult for Washington to accept.
Still, sources indicate negotiators had reached partial understandings before the outbreak of hostilities on sanctions relief and the handling of highly enriched uranium, so the talks’ outcome will be closely watched. Control and management of the Strait of Hormuz are expected to be a central point of contention.
President Trump has publicly warned Iran not to impose tolls on passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
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