Vance Says Iran Talks Will Be “Positive” but Warns Against Bad Faith Negotiations

10/04/2026

WASHINGTON, April 10: U.S. Vice President JD Vance has expressed cautious optimism ahead of upcoming negotiations with Iran, saying he believes the talks will be “positive,” while warning that Washington will not tolerate bad-faith engagement.

Speaking before boarding Air Force Two en route to Islamabad, Vance said the United States is prepared to pursue diplomacy if Tehran engages constructively.

“We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s gonna be positive. We’ll, of course, see,” he said, adding that President Donald Trump has made clear that Washington is willing to extend “an open hand” if Iran negotiates in good faith.

However, Vance also issued a warning, saying that if Iran attempts to “play” the United States, the negotiating team would not be receptive. He did not provide further details on the specific guidelines set for the talks.

The vice president, who did not take questions from reporters, is set to lead mediated discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has entered its sixth week amid a fragile and increasingly unstable ceasefire.

The negotiations come at a critical diplomatic moment, with deep divisions remaining between Iran and the U.S. and its allies over core demands, raising uncertainty over whether the talks in Islamabad can produce any immediate breakthrough.