JD Vance

“The ceasefire has opened a space that Pakistan thinks is enough for the diplomatic path to resume,” a former Pakistani ambassador briefed on the matter told the NYT.

Hezbollah’s position in southern Lebanon and Israel’s demand for long-term security arrangements could keep the northern front unstable.

According to a source with knowledge, cited by Axios, the Iranian negotiating team hesitated under pressure from the IRGC to take a stronger line and refuse talks without an end to the US blockade.

The poisoned chalice is not forced; it is chosen when there is no other option left.

Trumps told PBS News that he is unsure if the Iranians will attend the talks in Pakistan, while insisting that Tehran will not achieve nuclear weapon capability.

That speech, said Leo, "was prepared two weeks ago, well before the president ever commented on myself and on the message of peace that I am promoting."

According to one source, a Vance official, he had informed the vice president of his intention to leave in December, but the plan had been put off by several months "to ensure a smooth transition."

"The Iranians thought that the ceasefire included Lebanon, and it just didn't," JD Vance told reporters. "We never made that promise. We never indicated that was going to be the case."

Vance made the claim at a Turning Point USA event on Tuesday, after being heckled by a member of the crowd shouting "Killing children," and "Slaughtering children."

According to Iranian state media, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson also asserted that reports of a ceasefire extension are unconfirmed.