Mixed Signals: Trump, White House Clash on Vance’s Pakistan Visit for Iran Talks

US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation for upcoming Iran talks in Pakistan, the White House said on Sunday, contradicting earlier comments by US President Donald Trump.

A US official said the delegation will also include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The clarification came after Trump said “no” in at least two interviews when asked if Vance would attend, and earlier suggested the Vice President might skip the trip due to security concerns.

The White House later confirmed that Vance “will attend,” highlighting confusion within the administration over the Islamabad visit.

TRUMP STEPS UP RHETORIC

Even as the messaging shifted, Trump sharply escalated his stance on Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, he accused Tehran of violating a ceasefire by firing in the Strait of Hormuz, including at a French vessel and a UK-linked freighter.

“Iran decided to fire bullets… a total violation,” he wrote, before warning of sweeping retaliation.

“If they don’t take the deal, the United States is going to knock out every single power plant and every single bridge in Iran. NO MORE MR NICE GUY!”

Trump also claimed that a US naval blockade had already shut the Strait, saying Iran would bear the economic fallout.

TALKS CLOUDed BY UNCERTAINTY

The developments come as Iran has yet to confirm its participation in the proposed talks in Pakistan.

According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Tehran is unlikely to send a delegation while the naval blockade remains in place.

With mixed signals from Washington and no clear commitment from Iran, uncertainty continues to hang over the planned negotiations in Islamabad.