File photo: US Vice President JD Vance (Image credit: AP)

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday morning for high-level talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran, as a fragile ceasefire nears its end, according to a report by Axios.The visit comes at a critical juncture, with US President Donald Trump warning that Washington could launch a new bombing campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure if no deal is reached.Although a comprehensive deal appears unlikely within the limited time frame, the US has indicated it may extend the deadline if there are signs of progress.

Amidst internal pressure, talks hinge on Iran’s participation

Behind the scenes, talks faced uncertainty as Tehran delayed confirming its participation. Iranian negotiators were under pressure from the Revolutionary Guards to maintain a revolutionary stance, saying talks could not proceed unless the US lifted its naval blockade.However, mediators including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey pressed for talks and Iran’s negotiating team finally got approval from the supreme leader to participate in the talks late on Monday.Senior US officials, including Ambassadors Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are also expected to be part of the delegation visiting Islamabad.

The ceasefire clock is ticking, tension remains

The diplomatic pressure comes as both Washington and Tehran have signaled readiness to escalate if talks fail. Iran has accused the US of violating the ceasefire through a blockade of Iranian ports, while Washington has accused it of harassing ships in the Strait of Hormuz.Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of trying to turn the talks into a “surrender table”, saying, “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats”, according to news agency AFP.The ceasefire, which began two weeks ago, is set to expire soon, although Trump has suggested extending it slightly until Wednesday evening.The outcome of the Islamabad talks is being closely watched globally, with the conflict already disrupting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about a fifth of the world’s energy supply.