US Vice President JD Vance may attend the proposed US–Iran talks in Pakistan, according to CNN.
Pakistan could host a meeting between the United States and Iran later this week under a proposal currently under consideration, according to CNN. The move comes as Washington shifts toward diplomacy following President Donald Trump’s sudden change in stance from threatening Tehran to supporting talks.
The report said US Vice President JD Vance could attend the proposed meeting. It also noted that Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, and Oman are among the countries involved in mediation efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and ensuring safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s shift followed a sharp escalation in rhetoric, including a warning on Saturday that he could target Iran’s power facilities if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened within 48 hours. CNN reported that the move toward negotiations came after warnings from Gulf allies that strikes on civilian infrastructure could lead to a dangerous escalation.
Despite these developments, uncertainty remains around the prospects for diplomacy. Iran has denied any negotiations with the United States, and CNN said its sources were unaware of any direct talks between Washington and Tehran since the start of the conflict, despite Trump’s claims that discussions were progressing.
Sources cited by the network said the United States had conveyed a 15-point proposal to Iran through Pakistan. The reported terms include a permanent ban on Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, restrictions on its defense capabilities, an end to support for proxy groups, and recognition of Israel’s right to exist.
Trump also stated that Washington wanted control of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, which he claimed is located beneath the Isfahan nuclear facility targeted in a US bombing raid in June.
Pakistan’s role in the diplomatic efforts has also been highlighted by the Financial Times, which reported on Monday that the country is positioning itself as a key mediator. Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, according to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the call.
The report also noted that senior Pakistani officials are conducting back-channel communications between Tehran and US figures Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
According to CNN, Pakistan is actively engaged in mediation efforts and has a strong interest in preventing further escalation, given its long border with Iran and reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for around 90% of its oil imports.
To ease tensions in the Middle East, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his administration have maintained continuous diplomatic contact with both regional and global leaders, working to promote dialogue and support a peaceful resolution. In a recent conversation, PM Shehbaz spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation among neighboring countries.
“If both sides agree, Pakistan is always ready to host talks,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi told CNN on Monday.
Pakistan’s balanced foreign policy has gained international recognition for maintaining positive relations with key stakeholders while helping reduce regional tensions.
The war, which began on February 28 between the US and Israel against Iran, has reportedly killed more than 2,000 people, disrupted markets, driven up fuel prices, and increased concerns about global inflation while straining Western defense alliances.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, uncertainty remains over who in Iran would be authorized to approve any agreement, with multiple proposals still under discussion and no consensus reached, according to CNN.
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