Vice President JD Vance warned Iran not to deceive the United States as he flew to peace negotiations in Islamabad. He spoke to reporters before he boarded Air Force Two on Friday. Vance said the talks aimed to turn a fragile two-week ceasefire into a lasting truce.
Vice President JD Vance made his position clear. He stated that the United States would negotiate in good faith. Vance added however that any attempt to mislead the American team would meet resistance. “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” he declared.
“But if they’re gonna try and play us then they’re gonna find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.” Vance leads the United States delegation. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner accompany him. The talks open on Saturday in Pakistan’s capital.
Iran responded by setting two firm conditions. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf announced the demands on Friday. He wrote on X that the parties had already agreed on two steps. “A ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets must be fulfilled before negotiations begin,” Qalibaf stated.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei reinforced the message. He said the talks depended on full American compliance with the ceasefire especially in Lebanon.
Tensions remained high after the truce took effect two weeks earlier. Iran accused Israel of continued strikes on Lebanon that killed hundreds. The United States meanwhile criticised Tehran for slow progress in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Only limited oil traffic passed through the vital waterway.
President Donald Trump had earlier expressed frustration over the strait’s closure. Both sides nevertheless prepared for the mediated talks in Islamabad. The discussions seek to address Iran’s nuclear program and restore regional stability.
