JD Vance on Friday expressed optimism about upcoming negotiations with Iran as he departed for Islamabad to attend the high-stakes “Islamabad Talks.”
“We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive,” Vance said, adding that progress would depend on Iran’s willingness to engage in good faith. He warned, however, that the US negotiating team would not be receptive to any attempts to undermine the process, noting that Donald Trump had provided clear guidelines.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has rolled out special arrangements for the talks. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that the visa-on-arrival facility is limited to delegates and journalists from participating countries — the United States and Iran — and does not extend to third-country nationals.
Earlier, Ishaq Dar announced that all relevant delegates and media personnel would be granted visas on arrival, with airlines instructed to allow boarding without prior visas for those attending the talks.
Described as one of the most consequential diplomatic engagements in recent years, the Islamabad Talks come just days after a fragile ceasefire following a six-week conflict that destabilized the Middle East and rattled the global economy.
On the security front, Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements, directing authorities to implement foolproof security measures. Islamabad’s Red Zone has been sealed, with access restricted to authorized personnel only, and a central control room has been established to coordinate operations.
Traffic restrictions and diversions have also been imposed, with citizens advised to avoid unnecessary travel. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as heightened security remains in place across the capital.
The American delegation is expected to include senior envoys, while Iran will be represented by top leadership, highlighting the urgency and significance of the talks.
As global attention turns to Islamabad, the outcome of these negotiations will be critical in determining whether the fragile ceasefire can evolve into a lasting peace agreement in the region.
