US Vice President JD Vance expected to arrive in Pakistan today, Axios reports

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad as early as Tuesday for high-stakes negotiations with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, according to multiple US officials, said an article by Axios on Tuesday.

The visit comes at a critical moment, with a temporary ceasefire nearing its expiration. Donald Trump has warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to renewed military action targeting Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities. While securing a comprehensive deal within such a short timeframe remains uncertain, officials suggest the deadline could be extended if meaningful progress is made.

The timeline for the ceasefire has already seen slight flexibility. Although the original two-week period was set to conclude Tuesday, Trump indicated it could stretch until Wednesday evening, offering negotiators a narrow window to advance discussions.

Behind closed doors, US officials spent much of Monday awaiting confirmation that Tehran would send representatives to the talks. Iranian decision-making appeared delayed, reportedly due to internal pressure from elements such as the Revolutionary Guards, who pushed for a tougher stance—insisting that negotiations should not proceed without lifting the US blockade.

Diplomatic intermediaries from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey worked to encourage Iran’s participation. Approval for the delegation was ultimately granted late Monday by Iran’s supreme leadership, clearing the way for potential talks. Senior envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are also expected to join the diplomatic effort in Islamabad.