Vice Prez JD Vance to lead Iran talks in Islamabad

April 9, 2026

Washington: US Vice President J D Vance is headed back home from Hungary before he flies to Islamabad, leading a high-level American delegation for talks with Iran this weekend, as Washington moves to consolidate a fragile ceasefire following weeks of military escalation.

The White House on Wednesday said the negotiating team will include Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, signalling the administration’s push for a structured diplomatic track after what it described as a decisive military phase.

“I can announce that the President is dispatching his negotiating team, led by the Vice President of the United States, J D Vance, Special Envoy Witkoff and Mr. Kushner to Islamabad for talks this weekend,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

“The first round of those talks will take place on Saturday morning, local time, and we know we look forward to those in-person meetings,” she added.

Vance, speaking to reporters before departing Hungary, underscored that negotiations were already shaped by parallel diplomatic exchanges involving Pakistan and Iran.

“We have a negotiation that’s supposed to start this weekend. That’s the truth. I think it’s a good first step,” he said. The talks follow a two-week ceasefire window announced by President Donald Trump after “Operation Epic Fury,” which the administration says significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities.

“This is a victory for the United States of America that the President and our incredible military made happen,” Leavitt said.