Vance lands in Islamabad for high‑stakes Iran talks

US Vice President JD Vance landed at the Pakistan Air Force’s Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad at 10:29 am local time (05:29 GMT) for historic talks with Iran. He was received by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and his team, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived earlier in the day. It is the first time since 2011 that a US vice president has visited Pakistan.

Mediation and Format

The “Islamabad Talks” are being held at an undisclosed location in the heavily fortified capital and may continue for several days. The two sides are expected to engage in both direct and indirect formats. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described the negotiations as “make‑or‑break to seek a permanent ceasefire.” The US delegation also includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Both delegations are also scheduled to meet separately with Sharif.

Regional Toll

Pakistan secured a two‑week ceasefire on Wednesday, after weeks of fighting that began on 28 February when the US and Israel launched war on Iran. Nearly 3,000 Iranians have been killed, while at least 13 US servicemen have died and dozens have been wounded. The conflict also disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil‑shipping route.