[CBC News] U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance flew to Pakistan to push for ceasefire talks with Iran, expressing cautious optimism while delivering a stern warning.
On the 10th (local time), Vance told reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., before boarding his plane that he expects the talks to produce positive results. He said the United States would engage if Iran negotiates in good faith, but warned the U.S. delegation would not tolerate attempts to deceive.
“We will pursue constructive negotiations, and the president has given clear instructions,” he said, underscoring that he does not intend to back down in the talks.
Vance is scheduled to meet Iran’s delegation in Islamabad on the 11th to negotiate an end to the war that began on Feb. 28. This will be the first formal negotiation since Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire agreement on the 7th.
The U.S. team includes Jared Kushner and Special Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. Iran’s delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has already arrived in Islamabad.
These talks could become a pivotal moment for a conflict now in a ceasefire phase. Iran is reported to be demanding ten items, including a complete halt to hostile actions; withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Middle East; full lifting of sanctions; recognition of its right to enrich uranium and negotiations over enrichment levels; and the establishment of an investment fund to compensate for war damage.
Some demands—such as a full U.S. troop withdrawal—are unlikely to gain Washington’s acceptance. Still, negotiators may find room to compromise on sanctions relief and the handling of higher‑enriched uranium, since past talks achieved partial convergence on those issues.
The opening and management of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to emerge as a central sticking point. President Donald Trump has publicly warned Iran not to impose transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
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▮ CBC News | Reporter Ha Young-su
