Why JD Vance Is Leading US Side In Talks With Iran

Vice President JD Vance has appeared as one of the most reluctant defenders when Washington started a war with Iran.

Six weeks later, he finds himself in Islamabad, preparing for talks with top Iranian leaders to conclude a war that has sent shockwaves through global markets. Reports suggest Vance was handpicked to lead the talks to fulfil a wish from Tehran.

For a section of Iran's leadership, Vance appeared to be an acceptable face for the talks. Several of them quietly sought him to be part of the negotiations, news agency Reuters said.

Citing sources, it reported that in Iran, Vance is seen as one of the most anti-war faces in President Donald Trump's inner circles, and that has led Tehran to believe that he is the most likely figure to negotiate with among Trump's representatives.

Vance will meet Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi shortly, in a historic moment marking the highest-level face-to-face talks between Washington and Tehran since 1979.

He will be accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

It's not known if they will shake hands, given the troubled history between the two countries, but the leaders are expected to avoid escalating what has already proved to be expensive for the global economy.

The US delegation features a delicate balance of executive authority and negotiation flexibility, with Vance carrying political weight crucial to talks such as this one.