Talking Tough, Vance Heads To Pakistan For Iran Negotiations

WASHINGTON, DC– US Vice President J D Vance on April 10 departed for Pakistan for talks on Iran, saying Washington is ready to “extend the open hand” if Tehran negotiates in good faith, while warning against attempts to “play” the United States.

“We’re looking forward to negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive,” Vance told reporters at Joint Base Andrews before boarding Air Force Two for Islamabad.

“As the President of the United States said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” Vance said. “If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

The Vice President said the administration is entering the talks with a defined framework based on guidance from President Donald Trump.

“So, we’re going to try to have a positive negotiation. The President gave us some pretty clear guidelines, and we’re going to see,” he said.

Officials have not yet released a detailed schedule for the Pakistan visit.

The talks come during a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran and could impact global oil prices, with implications for India. (IANS)