Preparations for the expected US–Iran talks in Islamabad have taken a new turn after reports confirmed that J.D. Vance will not be traveling to lead the American delegation, despite earlier speculation about his participation. Officials have not yet issued any formal confirmation regarding the final composition of the US team.
According to a claim by U.S. broadcaster ABC News, the American delegation in the upcoming talks in Islamabad will not be led by J.D. Vance. Journalist Jonathan Karl of ABC News said on social media platform X that the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations had indicated J.D. Vance would head the delegation for the second phase of talks in Islamabad.
President Trump just told me Vance will not be going to Islamabad. He said the issue is security — the Secret Service couldn’t do it on 24 hours notice.
“It’s only because of security,” he told me. “JD’s great.” https://t.co/geDNJhN8p1
— Jonathan Karl (@jonkarl) April 19, 2026
However, in a later post, Karl revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump told him in a phone conversation that J.D. Vance would not be traveling to Islamabad. The president reportedly said that it was not possible for the Secret Service to arrange security on such short notice within 24 hours.
Earlier, Trump had announced on social media that a U.S. delegation would arrive in Islamabad tomorrow evening for talks with Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a televised address that tensions in the region could escalate further, though diplomatic efforts are ongoing and Iran remains prepared for all necessary measures.
