- Web Desk
- 11 Minutes ago
US Vice President JD Vance leaves for Pakistan for Iran talks, says keen on constructive dialogue
-
- Web Desk
- Apr 10, 2026
WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: US Vice President JD Vance departed from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday en route to Pakistan, where he will lead a US delegation for peace talks with Iran.
Vance will head the American team participating in the negotiations aimed at advancing efforts toward peace in the Middle East following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire.
Talking to the media before departure, Vance said that he was keen on “constructive dialogue” and voiced optimism about the outcome of the negotiations.
“We believe the talks with Iran will be positive,” he said, adding that he expected discussions to move forward in a constructive direction.
The vice president said President Donald Trump had given clear directives regarding the negotiations, signalling Washington’s intent to pursue diplomatic engagement.
JD Vance has emerged as one of the most influential and polarising figures in American politics, blending a personal story of hardship with an aggressive political ascent. Born and raised in Middletown, Ohio, Vance often highlights his working-class upbringing, shaped largely by his grandmother, to connect with voters and reinforce his populist credentials.
Before entering politics, Vance gained national recognition through his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which examined the struggles of white working-class communities in the United States. The book positioned him as a cultural interpreter of the socio-economic forces that helped fuel the rise of Donald Trump.
Further details regarding the agenda of the talks have not yet been officially released.
Islamabad on high alert
Meanwhile, authorities have placed Islamabad on high alert and deployed more than 10,000 security personnel across the federal capital ahead of high-stakes peace talks between the United States and Iran, officials said on Friday.
Police and paramilitary forces have been stationed at key locations, forming a multi-layered security cordon around the Red Zone, diplomatic enclaves and venues expected to host the visiting delegations.
Officials said the security plan was being overseen at the highest level, with the military coordinating closely with paramilitary forces, including Rangers, as well as Islamabad and Punjab police.
The deployment extends to major entry and exit points of the city, with heightened surveillance and checkpoints set up to ensure tight security throughout the duration of the talks.
Authorities have also taken measures to manage traffic and public movement, with the Islamabad Traffic Police, supported by the National Highway and Motorway Police, tasked with regulating road networks and preventing congestion.
Several routes have been restricted for official movements, though officials said efforts were being made to minimise disruption for residents amid the heightened security arrangements.
Visa-on-arrival clarification
Earlier, Pakistan clarified that visa-free entry for participants of the Islamabad Talks 2026 will be limited to delegates and journalists from Iran and the United States, the Foreign Office said on Friday, following earlier statements suggesting broader facilitation measures.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, in a post on X, said the arrangement applied only to nationals of the two participating countries and would remain valid for the duration of the talks.
“Pakistan has extended visa-free travel to delegates and journalists from participating nations of Islamabad Talks 2026, i.e., Iran and the USA. This facility, extended for the duration of the talks, does not cover third-country nationals,” he said.
The clarification came after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said earlier that participants of the talks would be granted visa-on-arrival facilities and that airlines had been instructed to allow boarding without prior visas for those travelling in connection with the event.
Dar also welcomed delegates and journalists attending the talks, saying Pakistan was facilitating smooth entry to ensure international participation.
Dar receives call from Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a call from Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, who commended Pakistan’s role in facilitating the ceasefire and expressed support for its efforts to promote a diplomatic path toward lasting peace.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and voiced concern over serious ceasefire violations in Lebanon, underscoring the need for full implementation of the truce to ensure sustained peace.
Reaffirming strong Pakistan–Netherlands ties, both sides expressed their resolve to further enhance cooperation in trade, economic and investment sectors.
You May Also Like
