Vance takes central role in US push to end Iran conflict

US Vice-President JD Vance was continuing to communicate through intermediaries in Pakistan on Tuesday about the conflict with Iran, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, in a sign of his growing role in efforts to broker an end to the crisis.

At Donald Trump’s direction, he privately signalled that the US president was open to a ceasefire, provided certain American demands were met, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the source said.

He also suggested that Trump’s patience was wearing thin, warning that pressure on Iran’s infrastructure would intensify if Tehran failed to reach an agreement.

Pakistan is acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, according to the source.

Widely viewed as a potential successor in the 2028 presidential election, the vice-president has adopted a cautious stance on the conflict, reflecting scepticism about prolonged US military involvement overseas.

Trump has warned that the United States could strike Iranian infrastructure but has delayed any such action against the country’s power grid until 6 April in the hope that a deal with Tehran can still be reached.

(reuters, luc)