Vance Arrives in Islamabad for U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks

U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad on Saturday, leading an American delegation for high-stakes negotiations with Iran aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East conflict that has disrupted global energy supplies and killed thousands over the past six weeks.

The U.S. team, which includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, landed at Nur Khan Airbase near the capital after an escort by Pakistani fighter jets. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir greeted Vance with a red carpet ceremony, underscoring the host nation's commitment to the talks. The Iranian delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived the previous day with additional members including security and economic experts. Reports indicated Iran deployed multiple aircraft, some as decoys, to protect against potential threats.

Pakistan is mediating the discussions, dubbed the Islamabad Talks, at an undisclosed, heavily secured location in the capital. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the negotiations as a "make or break" moment, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressing hope for...