“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend an open hand,” Vance said, speaking to reporters before flying to Islamabad.
But “if they try to play with us, they will find that the negotiating team is not as receptive,” he said.
Official sources say the talks in Islamabad will cover a number of sensitive points, including Iran’s nuclear enrichment and the free flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil conduit.
Since the ceasefire took effect, President Donald Trump has expressed displeasure over Iran’s approach to reopening the strait, while Tehran has reacted angrily to continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Trump posted on his Truth social network on Friday that Iran has “no cards” in negotiations other than “short-term extortion of the world using international waterways.”
In Islamabad, all routes leading to the Serena Hotel, the expected venue for the talks, were closed with heavy security, while a large banner and digital signs on the expressway proclaimed “Islamabad Talks”.