U.S. Vice President JD Vance has warned Iran against attempting to manipulate upcoming diplomatic talks as he departed for pivotal negotiations aimed at easing tensions between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for the discussions, Vance said the United States remains open to dialogue but will not tolerate bad-faith tactics from Tehran.
“We’re certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive,” Vance said.
The talks come at a critical moment in relations between the United States and Iran, following weeks of escalating tensions and a fragile ceasefire after a brief but intense conflict that disrupted global energy markets and raised fears of a broader regional war.
According to U.S. officials, Vance is leading an American delegation that includes senior envoys tasked with negotiating with Iranian representatives on issues ranging from security concerns to the reopening of key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The negotiations are expected to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator between the two sides during the ceasefire period.
U.S. officials say the talks aim to build on the temporary truce and prevent further military escalation, though major disagreements remain between Washington and Tehran over nuclear policy, regional security issues, and economic sanctions.Despite the tensions, Vance indicated that diplomacy remains the preferred path forward but made clear that the U.S. negotiating team would respond firmly if Iran fails to engage sincerely.