Middle East Situation | Vance Reportedly to Visit Pakistan This Weekend to Discuss Ending Iran Conflict

The military conflict between the United States and Iran has entered its 26th day. Diplomatic efforts suddenly intensified, but the prospects for a ceasefire remain bleak. According to two senior U.S. government officials who briefed the media on Wednesday, the U.S. is trying to arrange a meeting this weekend in Pakistan to discuss an exit plan for the U.S. war against Iran. Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan.

CNN reports that, according to current plans, Vance and other senior U.S. officials will go to Islamabad. However, the specific timing, location, and list of participants are still uncertain. The meeting may also be held in Turkey. The report did not mention whether Iran might send representatives to participate in the ceasefire negotiations.

Sources say Vance is believed to be more inclined to end the war. Iran has indicated to the Trump administration that Tehran prefers to negotiate with Vance rather than other senior officials. Iran does not want to engage again with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff or Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, citing previous talks that led to military actions against Iran and a mutual lack of trust.

Iran has explicitly rejected the U.S. proposal of a 15-point ceasefire plan, insisting that the war can only end according to Iran’s own timeline. Iran also denounces negotiations as Trump’s persistent lie, listing unrealistic fantasies.

Tehran’s five essential conditions for a ceasefire include: the adversary stopping aggressive actions; establishing effective mechanisms to prevent future wars; clearly defining war damages and ensuring compensation; ending military operations on all fronts, including stopping attacks on resistance groups; and recognizing Iran’s legitimate sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran emphasizes that it will not begin negotiations until these five conditions are met.