Peace Talks: JD Vance to Visit Islamabad After Khamenei Approves Iranian Delegation

Efforts for peace talks between the United States and Iran have intensified amid rising tensions. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to depart for Islamabad on Tuesday morning (Tuesday evening IST). According to sources, the White House remained in anticipation until Monday regarding whether Iran would send its team for the discussions. It's reported that there were internal disagreements within Iran, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pressuring that no talks should occur until the US lifts its sanctions.

Iranian Delegation Approval and Role of Mediators

In the interim, countries including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey attempted to persuade Iran to participate in the talks. On Monday night, Iran's Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei approved the dispatch of a delegation, clearing the path for negotiations. This information was reported by the American media outlet Axios, citing sources. Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also expected to accompany Vance to Islamabad. The peace talks between the two nations could take place on Wednesday.

Ceasefire Ending on April 22

This visit comes at a critical time as the two-week ceasefire, which began on April 8, is set to expire on April 22. US President Donald Trump has already issued a warning that if no agreement is reached, bombing of Iran could resume. Although reaching a full agreement in such a short timeframe is considered difficult, Trump may extend the ceasefire if progress is observed during the talks.

Conflicting Claims Regarding Ceasefire Extension

Meanwhile, a report by the Wall Street Journal suggests that Trump isn't in favor of extending the ceasefire. This implies that if no agreement is reached by the deadline, the situation could deteriorate again. Although Iran has not yet publicly confirmed its participation in the meeting, it has signaled to mediating countries that it may send its team. Conversely, reports from Pakistani media suggest that the ceasefire between Iran and the US could be extended by another two weeks.