US President Donald Trump has added a fresh layer of intrigue to the upcoming diplomatic mission in Pakistan, posting a cryptic message on Truth Social just hours before his deputy was due to touch down in Islamabad. "World's most powerful reset," the President wrote, a typically bold proclamation that coincided with Vice President JD Vance’s departure for what could be the most consequential peace talks in decades.
Meanwhile, Iran has said that it will not enter negotiations until key preconditions are met, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf said on Friday, insisting that a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Tehran’s blocked assets must come first.
In a post on X, Qalibaf made clear that talks cannot proceed without prior commitments being honoured. “Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations,” he wrote.
While Trump was quick to declare victory earlier this week, claiming US objectives had been met in the five-week conflict, his rhetoric has since taken a sharper turn. On Thursday, he hit out at Tehran for its perceived failure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy. "Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonourable some would say," Trump posted, warning that oil would soon begin to flow again "with or without the help of Iran."
The burden of turning this bravado into a functional ceasefire now rests with Vance, who is leading a high-level delegation that includes Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews before his flight, the Vice President offered a "carrot and stick" approach. He expressed hope for a "positive outcome" and promised an "open hand" if Tehran negotiates in good faith— but he was equally clear that Washington would not be "played."
The Iranian side is expected to bring significant political weight to the table on Saturday, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly set to attend. They will be joined by the new security chief, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, in a meeting that the world hopes will provide a definitive exit ramp from the current hostilities. For now, all eyes are on Islamabad to see if Trump’s promised "reset" is a genuine diplomatic breakthrough or merely a new phase of a very dangerous game.
Also read: JD Vance heads to Pak for peace talks with Iran
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