Vance heads to Pakistan for Iran talks hours after Trump said he wouldn't go
WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance will participate in the next round of negotiations on the Iran conflict in Islamabad, alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, the White House confirmed on Sunday, April 19.
The talks are aimed at advancing efforts to resolve tensions involving Iran.
Trump's remarks trigger confusion
The announcement comes after President Donald Trump had earlier denied that Vance would attend, citing security concerns in an interview.
His remarks created uncertainty over the composition of the US delegation, with Trump stating only that his “representatives” would be present at the talks in Islamabad.
A White House official later clarified the situation, saying “things changed.”
Security concerns shape travel decisions
Sources familiar with United States Secret Service protocols said it is standard practice to avoid having the president and vice president in the same location at the same time, particularly during heightened security risks.
The policy applies both to international travel and domestic movements, especially amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Officials indicated that if a final agreement emerges from the talks, Trump could consider traveling to Pakistan. In such a scenario, Vance would likely need to return to the United States beforehand to comply with security arrangements.
Previous round ended without a breakthrough
The upcoming negotiations follow an earlier round held in Pakistan, which Vance, Witkoff and Kushner also attended. Those discussions concluded without reaching a deal to end the conflict.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said on Sunday that American representatives are traveling to Islamabad, Pakistan, for negotiations with Iran, while accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump alleged that Iranian forces fired on vessels in the strategic waterway a day earlier, on Saturday.
“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz, a total violation of our ceasefire agreement! Many of them were aimed at a French Ship, and a Freighter from the United Kingdom," he wrote in a Truth Social post.
"That wasn’t nice, was it? My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan, They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations,” he added.
