Vance heads to Pakistan for Iran talks, warns Tehran against “playing” U.S.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance says Iran should not attempt to “play” the United States as he departs for Pakistan to lead negotiations aimed at ending a six-week war between Washington and Tehran.

According to White House officials, Vance will participate in mediated talks in Islamabad as part of an effort directed by President Donald Trump to seek a resolution to the conflict, which began Feb. 28. The administration has not confirmed whether the will be conducted directly with Iranian officials or through intermediaries.

The talks come amid signs that a temporary ceasefire could collapse. Public positions from Iran and those of the United States and its ally Israel remain far apart, particularly on Tehran’s nuclear program, ballistic weapons development, and its support for regional proxy groups.

Vance, who has previously expressed skepticism about prolonged foreign military engagements, is joined by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner. Kushner previously took part in multiple rounds of indirect with Iranian representatives before the conflict escalated into open hostilities.

The White House has not outlined specific benchmarks for success or a timeline. It remains unclear what concessions, if any, either side is prepared to make.