U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Vice President JD Vance might not attend the upcoming peace negotiations in Islamabad due to persistent security threats. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump noted that while he expects the Pakistan-mediated talks to commence “very soon” following the two-week ceasefire, the safety of the Vice President remains a paramount concern. This uncertainty comes despite the arrival of a 30-member U.S. security team in the Pakistani capital earlier this week to coordinate with local authorities and secure the Red Zone.
#BREAKING US Vice President JD Vance may not attend peace talks with Iran in Pakistan due to security concerns, Trump tells NY Post pic.twitter.com/OBYJ2UiKay
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) April 8, 2026
The potential absence of Vance could significantly alter the diplomatic weight of the “Islamabad Channel” summit. Iranian officials have previously expressed a preference for Vance, viewing him as more open to a long-term settlement compared to other administration figures. While the White House has already dispatched top envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Vance’s presence is seen as vital for bridging the deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran. As the Saturday morning deadline for formal discussions approaches, Pakistani officials remain on high alert, having already declared local public holidays and sealed off major thoroughfares to ensure the safety of all high-level delegations.
