US Vice President JD Vance warned that pressure on Iranian infrastructure would increase unless Tehran agreed to a deal, conveying this message while speaking with Pakistani intermediaries about the Iran conflict — and underscored that Donald Trump is open to a ceasefire if certain U.S. conditions are met.
US Vice President JD Vance recently communicated with Pakistani intermediaries regarding the ongoing Iran conflict, a source told Reuters, signaling his expanding role in efforts to broker a resolution.
According to the source, Vance privately conveyed that former President Donald Trump would be open to a ceasefire, provided certain US conditions were met. He also delivered a “stern message,” warning that pressure on Iranian infrastructure would increase unless Tehran agreed to a deal.
Pakistan has been acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.
The conflict, involving the US, Israel, and Iran, began on February 28 and has destabilized the Middle East. Following the initial strikes, Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, and launched retaliatory attacks on Israel and US bases in the region.
Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic efforts to help end the hostilities, hosting regional ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, and relaying messages between the US and Iran.
On Tuesday, Pakistan and China jointly urged the US, Israel, and Iran to halt strikes and initiate peace talks promptly. The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Beijing between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Their five-point initiative called for an immediate end to hostilities, urgent peace talks, protection of non-military targets and shipping lanes, and adherence to the UN Charter.
Vance has increasingly taken a lead role in the negotiations, reflecting his cautious approach to prolonged US military involvement overseas. He is viewed as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential election.
The team reportedly involved in the talks includes Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
While Trump has threatened attacks on Iranian infrastructure, he has postponed strikes on Iran’s power grid until April 6 to allow time for a potential deal with Tehran.
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