Pakistan prepares for US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad as JD Vance leads delegation

Pakistan is stepping up as a potential mediator for a second round of US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, even as Iran signals it has no plans to attend amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation, possibly arriving as early as tonight local time, according to President Trump, though the White House has cited past security concerns. Bloomberg reports that Pakistani officials are actively preparing to host the discussions, highlighting Islamabad's push for diplomatic outreach at a critical juncture.

The talks, potentially slated for Wednesday, come as a fragile ceasefire nears its expiration, with recent US actions intensifying the standoff. Over the weekend, US forces fired on and seized an Iranian cargo vessel in the Sea of Oman, which Tehran condemned as "armed piracy," while a naval blockade continues to choke Iranian ports and exports. CBS News details how President Trump dismissed any pressure to strike a deal, insisting his top negotiators—including Vance—remain en route despite Iran's rejection. The Independent notes Iran's chief negotiator viewing the process as a "waste of time" under the shadow of threats.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Monday with Iran's ambassador, Dr. Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, to discuss arrangements and stress the need for a sustainable diplomatic solution, as reported by CBS. This follows mixed signals: US sources familiar with the matter told NBC that Vance is likely traveling tomorrow, yet Iran's Foreign Ministry insists no decisions have been made on attendance. BBC coverage underscores the security cordon already in place in Islamabad, with preparations underway despite the uncertainty.

The stakes are high for regional stability, as renewed dialogue could ease Middle East pressures rippling into South Asia and global energy markets. A failure to convene risks escalation, with Trump threatening strikes on Iranian power plants and bridges if no deal emerges, while Iran warns of retaliation over the ship seizure. Former Pakistani senator Sherry Rehman has emphasized the broader implications for security calculations beyond the immediate conflict.

Who stands to be affected includes commercial shipping operators facing volatile routes, Middle Eastern populations under ceasefire strain, and Pakistan itself, leveraging its position to bolster influence. As one CBS report puts it, Iran's top negotiators seek a credible path out but see little value in current terms. What happens next hinges on last-minute shifts—talks could proceed without Iran, collapse entirely, or surprise with Tehran’s participation if demands align. For now, the situation remains fluid, with Islamabad pressing both sides toward the table.