ISLAMABAD – United States Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Pakistan’s capital to lead ceasefire negotiations with Iran, as Washington and Tehran engage in their highest level diplomatic engagement in years.
The talks are taking place in Islamabad, with Pakistan hosting and facilitating discussions between senior delegations from both countries amid efforts to reduce tensions and explore possible pathways toward de escalation.
Vance landed in the Pakistani capital on Friday, where he was received by officials ahead of the start of negotiations. He is heading the US side in discussions expected to cover a wide range of regional security and political issues. 
Before his arrival, the US Vice President said Washington was open to dialogue under certain conditions.
“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend an open hand,” he said.
Iran has also dispatched a high level delegation to Islamabad, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, signalling the importance Tehran attaches to the talks.
The presence of senior officials from both sides has drawn global attention, with Pakistan playing a mediating role in hosting the negotiations.
At the centre of the discussions are expected to be proposals around a ceasefire framework, sanctions relief, and broader regional stability.
Iran is expected to push for the easing of long standing economic sanctions and the release of frozen assets, while also seeking recognition of its regional interests, including strategic maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States is expected to raise concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and missile capabilities, while also linking any sanctions relief to concessions from Tehran.
Analysts say the negotiations come at a time of deep mistrust between the two countries, with both sides holding firm positions on key security and economic issues.
International reaction has already begun, with Indonesia welcoming the talks and urging all parties to use the opportunity to advance a lasting and peaceful solution.
“This is an encouraging development that helps to keep the channels of communication open and creates space for diplomacy,” Indonesia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl said.
