US Vice President JD Vance to hold dialogue with Iran in Pakistan; Donald Trump makes BIG announcement

Washington: The White House has begun to rapidly pivot from military pressure toward diplomacy. US President Donald Trump has decided to dispatch a high-level delegation to Pakistan, to be led by Vice President JD Vance. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Trump administration is sending its negotiating team to engage in talks with Iran, with the first round scheduled for Saturday.

What stance has Trump administration taken?

This announcement signals a major shift from confrontation to diplomacy, even as the White House publicly maintains a tough stance. Leavitt stated that following the U.S. and Israeli strikes that began on February 28, Iran's capacity to supply weapons to its proxy groups in the region has been significantly degraded. She remarked, "Iran can no longer deliver weapons to its proxy groups."

Leavitt also revealed that proposals previously put forward by Tehran had been completely rejected. She noted, "The 10-point proposal that Iran initially presented was entirely unserious and unacceptable—something President Trump rejected outright."

Have Channels for Dialogue Opened?

Caroline Leavitt stated that the revised proposal submitted by Iran on Tuesday has paved the way for negotiations. The new proposal could now align with the U.S.'s 15-point proposal and serve as a basis for talks aimed at ending the conflict.

These talks, taking place in Pakistan, are unfolding amidst intense diplomatic activity. Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, while U.S. officials remain in contact with China as well.

Leavitt also noted that Iran has signaled it may consider handing over its enriched uranium—a major point of contention in previous negotiations.

Furthermore, Caroline Leavitt conveyed that Donald Trump wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain fully open to oil tankers and other vessels, without any restrictions—or even any tolls.

She stated, "Trump's immediate priority is to have the Strait reopened without any form of hindrance, whether in the form of tolls or through any other means."

Is Lebanon Included in Ceasefire Agreement?

Trump also clarified that Lebanon has not been included in the ceasefire agreement reached with Iran. He stated that Lebanon was excluded due to the presence of Hezbollah. Trump further added that this matter would also be taken into consideration. "Everything is fine," he remarked. When asked about the ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon, he replied that this falls outside the scope of the agreement. "This is a separate skirmish, and everyone is aware of that." Israel, too, has made it clear that the ceasefire with Iran does not apply to its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, reports of Israeli attacks in Lebanon have also surfaced.

Is Pakistan Ready?

On Friday (April 10, 2026), Pakistan proposed hosting face-to-face talks between American and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad. Addressing a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that delegations from the United States and Iran would meet in Islamabad the day after tomorrow. Sharif affirmed that Pakistan would spare no effort to ensure the success of these negotiations. "We are striving to permanently extinguish the flames of war," he said.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held a telephonic conversation with Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. During this call, the alleged ceasefire violations by Israel in Lebanon were discussed. This conversation took place just ahead of the proposed US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad. Pakistan is playing the role of a mediator throughout this entire process. Following a two-week ceasefire, all eyes are now fixed on the Islamabad talks, which aim to achieve regional stability and lasting peace.