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Vance heads to Pakistan for Iran talks as ceasefire deadline nears: Report

Security personnel stand guard at a checkpoint near the Serena Hotel at the Red Zone area in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)
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Security personnel stand guard at a checkpoint near the Serena Hotel at the Red Zone area in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)
April 21, 2026 01:41 PM GMT+03:00

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad by Tuesday for talks with Iran on a potential deal to end the war, as a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran approaches its expiration, according to three U.S. sources cited by Axios.

The visit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump warns of a new bombing campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure if no agreement is reached.

A helicopter flies over the Red Zone area in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 20, 2026. (AFP Photo)
A helicopter flies over the Red Zone area in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 20, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Talks planned as deadline approaches

Sources said Vance is expected to depart Tuesday morning, although one source said he could leave as early as late Monday night.

The talks are expected to take place in Pakistan as part of efforts to reach a deal before the ceasefire expires.

While the two-week ceasefire is set to end on Tuesday, Trump said Monday that the deadline would effectively extend to Wednesday evening.

Officials indicated that while reaching a full agreement within that timeframe would be difficult, the deadline could be extended further if progress is made.

Capital Development Authority (CDA) workers set up Pakistan's national flags along a street in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 18, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Capital Development Authority (CDA) workers set up Pakistan's national flags along a street in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 18, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Iran decision followed internal deliberations

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the White House spent Monday waiting for a signal from Tehran on whether it would send a negotiating team to Islamabad.

The source said Iranian officials were initially stalling amid pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on negotiators to maintain a firm position, including a demand for ending the U.S. blockade before talks.

The Iranian negotiating team ultimately received approval to proceed after a decision by the supreme leader late Monday night, the source said.

Mediators push for talks

Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye acted as mediators and urged Iran to participate in the negotiations, according to the source.

The talks are part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement amid continued tensions.

Security personnel stand guard at a security checkpost along a road temporarily closed near the Serena Hotel at the Red Zone area in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 20, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Security personnel stand guard at a security checkpost along a road temporarily closed near the Serena Hotel at the Red Zone area in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 20, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Additional US officials expected to join

Two sources said Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also expected to travel to Islamabad for the talks.

The planned visit by Vance and other officials comes as efforts intensify to secure a deal and prevent further escalation.

April 21, 2026 01:41 PM GMT+03:00
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