The Digest:
U.S. Vice President JD Vance is en route to Islamabad, Pakistan, to lead high-stakes negotiations with Iran following the ceasefire struck on Tuesday. Vance told reporters: "If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand." He is the highest-ranking US official to enter negotiations with Iran since 1979. Pakistan has acted as an intermediary between both sides, trusted by Gulf countries, the US, and Iran.
Key Points:
- Vance is joined by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in the delegation.
- President Trump has given "clear guidelines" for the negotiations.
- Pakistan shares a border with Iran and has a "brotherly" relationship with the Islamic Republic.
- Trump has called Pakistan's military chief Asim Munir his "favourite" field marshal.
- The talks could determine whether the fragile ceasefire holds.
