A high-security aerial escort by Pakistani F-16 fighter jets marked the arrival of US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad on Saturday, as Washington and Tehran prepared for rare direct talks amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The visit signals a critical diplomatic opening, with Vance set to meet an Iranian delegation in what could become the highest-level in-person engagement between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, even as trust deficits continue to loom large.
Visuals showed five Pakistan Air Force F-16 jets accompanying the US Air Force’s Boeing C-32A aircraft through Pakistani airspace before it touched down at Nur Khan airbase near Islamabad. The tightly coordinated escort underlined the sensitivity and stakes of the mission.
Vance is being joined by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner for the talks, which are being closely watched across diplomatic circles.
WATCH: 🇺🇸🇵🇰🇮🇷 JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff arrive in Islamabad as Air Force Two is escorted by multiple Pakistan Air Force F-16s. pic.twitter.com/b2XwACHhev
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) April 11, 2026
Iranian delegation arrives, but distrust remains
The Iranian side is being led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. While the meeting marks a rare diplomatic moment, Tehran has already signalled caution.
“We have good intentions, but we do not trust. Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises,” Iranian state media quoted Ghalibaf as saying.
Also Read: Full-circle air cover: How Iran delegation was escorted into Islamabad for high-stakes US talks
Pakistan pitches itself as facilitator
Pakistan has reiterated its intent to act as a bridge between the two sides. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both countries to “engage constructively” and emphasised Islamabad’s willingness to support efforts aimed at achieving a lasting resolution.
Key sticking points between US and Iran
Negotiations are expected to be challenging, given the wide gap in positions. The Trump administration has reportedly proposed a 15-point framework that includes Iran giving up its highly enriched uranium and accepting restrictions on its military capabilities.
Iran, in response, has put forward a 10-point proposal that seeks reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Even as talks begin in Islamabad, other regional dynamics remain fluid. Lebanon and Israel are preparing for discussions next week after a brief pause in hostilities, following intense strikes that had raised concerns about derailing the US-Iran engagement.