Vance warns Iran ahead of US talks to end war

JD Vance warned Iran not to “play” the United States as he departed Friday to lead high-level negotiations aimed at ending the war, signaling both cautious optimism and firm conditions ahead of talks.

Speaking before boarding Air Force Two, Vance said he expects discussions to be “positive” but stressed that Washington will respond firmly if Tehran does not negotiate in good faith.

“If they’re willing to negotiate seriously, we’re open,” he said. “But if they try to play us, the negotiating team will not be receptive.”

The talks, set to take place in Islamabad, come under the direction of Donald Trump, who has pushed for a resolution after weeks of escalating conflict. Vance will be joined by envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, both involved in earlier diplomatic efforts before the war began.

The negotiations represent one of the most direct engagements between Washington and Tehran in decades. Since the Iranian Revolution, high-level contact has been rare, with only limited diplomatic breakthroughs.

The push for talks follows a fragile ceasefire that remains under pressure. Disagreements persist over key issues, including whether the truce applies to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.

Tehran has insisted that Israeli operations in Lebanon must stop as part of any broader agreement, while Washington and Israel have rejected that interpretation. At the same time, U.S. officials continue to demand the full reopening of the strait, where shipping traffic remains limited.

The stakes for the negotiations are high. Beyond ending the conflict, the talks will address Iran’s nuclear program, missile capabilities and regional influence — long-standing sources of tension.

Vance’s role places him at the center of one of the most consequential diplomatic efforts of the administration. Though he has limited experience in international negotiations, his skepticism toward prolonged military involvement could shape the tone of discussions.

Analysts note that the outcome could carry both geopolitical and domestic political consequences. A successful agreement would strengthen the administration’s position, while failure could deepen instability in the region and at home.

For now, Vance warns Iran as the ceasefire hangs in the balance. The coming talks will determine whether recent progress leads to a lasting agreement — or a renewed escalation.