“Don’t Play Us”: Vance Warns Iran as He Departs for Pakistan Talks

Washington-(Special Correspondent/Mudassar Iqbal/Web Desk )-U.S. Vice President JD Vance has issued a stern warning to Iran, urging it not to “play” the United States as he prepares to lead a high-level delegation to Pakistan for crucial peace talks.

The talks, scheduled in Islamabad, come at a critical moment as a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran hangs in the balance. Pakistan has stepped in as a key mediator, hosting what analysts describe as high-stakes negotiations aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict. The country has worked intensively to bring both sides to the table after ceasefire talks nearly collapsed earlier this week.

According to reports, the outcome of these talks could determine whether the region moves toward lasting peace or renewed escalation, with major issues like nuclear activity and control of the Strait of Hormuz still unresolved.

Experts warn that despite diplomatic progress, the situation remains highly volatile, and any misstep could derail negotiations and trigger further conflict.

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Vance emphasized that the United States is willing to engage constructively if Iran approaches the talks sincerely. “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” he said.

However, he issued a clear warning: “If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

The vice president said that Trump has given the US delegation specific instructions for the talks. “President Trump has given us some pretty clear guidelines,” Vance noted, though he did not elaborate on the details.

The US president has tasked Vance, who has previously expressed skepticism about prolonged military interventions , with finding a diplomatic resolution to the six-week conflict with Iran.

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Vance will be joined by key figures, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, Islamabad is still awaiting the arrival of the Iranian delegation.

The White House has provided limited details, including whether discussions will be direct or indirect, and has not outlined specific expectations.

The negotiations come amid efforts to resolve a war that began six weeks ago, with tensions remaining high. Trump has previously issued stark warnings, including threats of severe consequences if a deal is not reached.

Vance, seen as one of the more cautious voices within Trump’s inner circle on foreign conflicts, now leads the effort to steer the situation toward diplomacy.

As he departed, JD Vance reiterated a balanced stance — hopeful for progress but firm on conditions. “We’re gonna try to have a positive negotiation… we’ll of course see,” he said, signaling both openness and caution ahead of the Islamabad talks.