US and Iran hold negotiations in Pakistan over ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz dispute

The United States and Iran engaged in a series of diplomatic exchanges centered on Pakistan-mediated talks aimed at extending a two-week ceasefire set to expire mid-week. Vice President JD Vance, along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, was designated to lead the US delegation to Islamabad, while Iran issued conflicting signals about attending, citing the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as a precondition obstacle. Trump threatened to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges if no deal was reached, while Iran's chief negotiator accused the US of seeking Iran's surrender.