U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Saturday held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, as diplomatic efforts intensified ahead of negotiations between the United States and Iran.
The meeting was also attended by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to statements from the White House and Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office.
Sharif expressed hope that the ongoing diplomatic engagement would contribute to a durable peace in the region, his office said.
The talks come as Islamabad positions itself as a facilitator in the dialogue process between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the country hopes both sides would engage constructively and reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to continue facilitating efforts aimed at reaching a lasting solution.
Iran has indicated that certain conditions, including a truce in Lebanon and the unfreezing of its assets, are key to advancing negotiations.
Ahead of the talks, Vice President Vance warned Iran against “playing” the United States, while U.S. President Donald Trump said ensuring that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon remains a priority.
Trump also said that the United States would ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open, underscoring concerns over global energy flows through the strategic waterway.
The developments highlight the high stakes surrounding the Islamabad talks, with implications for regional stability, energy markets, and broader geopolitical alignments. [KNT]
