US Vice President JD Vance has warned Iran against trying to “play” Washington as he departed for talks in Islamabad aimed at strengthening a fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement.
Speaking to reporters before departing Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Vance said the United States was open to dialogue if Iran negotiated in good faith but would not tolerate bad-faith engagement.
“If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive,” he said.
The talks in Pakistan are expected to focus on several contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
The negotiations come amid ongoing tensions between the two sides, with both Washington and Tehran accusing each other of failing to fully comply with the terms of the current ceasefire.
While Pakistan initially indicated that discussions would begin on Friday, Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday. Security was tightened around the expected venue, the Serena Hotel, with major roads blocked and signage announcing the “Islamabad Talks”.
Iran has suggested its participation could depend on an end to Israeli military strikes in Lebanon, with officials arguing that ongoing attacks undermine the ceasefire framework.
Iranian authorities have also described the current diplomatic process as “meaningless” in light of continued regional violence, though the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reiterated its commitment to the truce.
US President Donald Trump has also criticised Iran over restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of failing to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.
Despite the tensions, Vance said the US delegation—joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner—would pursue a constructive outcome.
“We’re going to try to have a positive negotiation,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments pass, has seen sharply reduced traffic since the ceasefire began, reflecting lingering security concerns in the region.
The diplomatic effort comes after weeks of conflict that has destabilised parts of the Middle East and disrupted global energy and supply chains.
In Lebanon, tensions also remain high following continued cross-border strikes involving Israeli forces and Hezbollah, despite ceasefire arrangements, with fresh violence reported in several areas.
Humanitarian agencies, including the UN World Food Programme (WFP), have warned that food insecurity is worsening in Lebanon as prices rise and supply routes remain unstable.
