US Vice President JD Vance has issued a blunt warning to Tehran, telling Iranian leaders not to play games with Washington as nuclear negotiations remain on a knife’s edge.
The remarks came just hours before Vance departed for Pakistan, where he is expected to hold talks on regional security and trade.
Speaking to reporters before boarding his flight, Vance said the United States would not tolerate any attempt by Iran to stall or manipulate the diplomatic process.
He stopped short of detailing specific consequences but made clear that all options remained available.
The warning follows weeks of back and forth between Washington and Tehran over the terms of a potential agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme.
While both sides have signalled a willingness to negotiate, progress has been slow and marked by mutual distrust.
Vance’s trip to Islamabad is seen as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to strengthen ties with Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran and plays a significant role in regional stability.
Analysts say Washington is keen to ensure Islamabad does not drift closer to Tehran or Beijing at a time when American influence in South Asia faces growing competition.
Pakistani officials have confirmed that discussions will cover counterterrorism cooperation, bilateral trade and the situation in Afghanistan.
The visit marks the highest level American diplomatic engagement with Pakistan in recent months and signals a renewed focus on the region.
Whether Vance’s tough talk on Iran translates into meaningful pressure remains to be seen but the timing of the Pakistan visit suggests the administration is working multiple fronts simultaneously.
