Vice President JD Vance unexpectedly delayed his trip to Islamabad and returned to the White House Tuesday as uncertainty grows over Iran’s participation in critical peace talks. CNN reported Vance was scheduled to lead a U.S. negotiating team in Pakistan alongside envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, but sources now say the trip may not happen at all.
Earlier talks failed after Iran refused to make what Vance described as an “affirmative commitment” not to pursue nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, tensions continue rising in the region. U.S. Central Command confirmed that 28 ships were ordered to turn around or return to port as the U.S. blockade around Iranian ports tightens. Officials warned any vessel entering Iranian ports may not be able to leave through the Gulf of Oman.
Pakistan says mediators remain in constant contact with Tehran, but Iran has not confirmed whether it will attend the Islamabad talks before the two-week ceasefire expires. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also criticized the negotiations in a post on X.
President Trump has signaled he does not want to extend the ceasefire, saying he wants a permanent solution instead of more delays.
