US Vice President JD Vance will skip the next round of peace talks with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan. Vance, who headed the US delegation during the first round that ended in failure, remains on standby for potential involvement if negotiations intensify, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Vance Not Sidelined, Leavitt Clarifies
Leavitt emphasized Friday that Vance’s absence does not signal a demotion by President Donald Trump. Instead, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, lead the US team in a fresh push to revive ceasefire discussions with Tehran. Iran has rejected direct talks with American representatives.
Steve and Jared head to Pakistan tomorrow to hear the Iranians out. The president, vice president, and secretary of state remain in the United States for updates. The vice president stays on standby and stands ready to travel if needed.
Leavitt delivered this update in a statement highlighting the team’s readiness.
Ceasefire Holds Amid Economic Strain
An indefinite ceasefire has halted most hostilities, yet disruptions persist. The Strait of Hormuz closure hampers global energy shipments, fueling economic pressures worldwide.
Pakistan facilitates renewed diplomacy after Trump extended the truce indefinitely at Islamabad’s urging. Witkoff and Kushner plan meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. However, Araghchi’s arrival prompted his ministry to insist on indirect channels, with Pakistani officials relaying messages between sides.
