Islamabad prepares to host US-Iran talks as Vance heads to Pakistan

Pakistan is set to host US and Iranian delegations for historic direct talks in heavily fortified Islamabad starting Saturday, aimed at ending the war that has disrupted energy supplies, businesses, and daily life across the wider Middle East.

US Vice President JD Vance left Washington Friday aboard Air Force Two, and is leading a US delegation, which includes President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The US delegation is expected to land in Islamabad, which is under a strict lockdown as part of security measures, early Saturday.

Speaking to reporters before his departure, Vance said he will work with Iran if they act in "good faith" -- but warns if they "try to play us" the US won't be receptive.

The Iranian delegation, which is likely to be led by Iran's parliament's speaker Bagher Qalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive anytime Friday night, according to Pakistani sources.

The US and Iranian technical delegations have already arrived in Islamabad, sources added.

Pakistan together with Turkiye, China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, managed to secure a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran Wednesday, 40 days after the US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran on Feb.28.

As part of the ceasefire deal, the two sides agreed to meet in Islamabad for talks to negotiate a lasting peace.