Axios reports suggest senior US and Iranian-backed diplomatic efforts may converge in Islamabad as a fragile ceasefire nears expiration amid rising regional tensions.
ISLAMABAD: US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad as early as Tuesday for high-level negotiations aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict involving Iran, according to a report by Axios citing multiple US officials.
The reported visit comes at a critical juncture as a temporary ceasefire nears its expiration, raising concerns of renewed escalation. Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly warned that if no agreement is reached, military action could resume targeting Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities.
According to the Axios report, while a comprehensive agreement within the limited timeframe remains uncertain, officials suggest the ceasefire deadline could be extended if meaningful diplomatic progress is achieved during ongoing discussions.
The original ceasefire window was set to expire on Tuesday, but Trump has reportedly indicated flexibility, suggesting it could extend until Wednesday evening to allow negotiators additional time to secure progress.
Behind the scenes, US officials reportedly spent Monday awaiting confirmation of Iranian participation in the talks. Iranian decision-making was described as delayed due to internal pressure from hardline elements, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has reportedly pushed for a tougher stance and insisted that negotiations should not proceed without lifting US-imposed restrictions.
Diplomatic intermediaries from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are said to have played a key role in encouraging Tehran to join the negotiations. Iranian leadership reportedly approved the delegation late Monday, clearing the way for possible engagement in Islamabad.
Senior US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are also expected to participate in the diplomatic effort, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the discussions as regional tensions remain elevated.
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