Vice President JD Vance departed for Pakistan on Friday, the 10th, to attend negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran. He expressed optimism that a strong agreement would be reached at the talks, which are scheduled to take place in Islamabad.

Speaking to reporters just before his departure, Vance stated, "I think we will see a positive outcome." 

He added, "As the President has said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly ready to extend an open hand. If they intend to play games with us, they will find that the negotiating team is not as accommodating."

Commenting on the possibility of reaching an agreement, he said, "The President has given very clear instructions."

Vice President Vance is leading the negotiating team, which includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump.

These negotiations follow the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, which has held thus far despite ongoing debate as to whether it also applies to Lebanon.

The war with Iran began in late February with a joint US-Israeli airstrike on Iran, which eliminated most of Iran's senior leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

NNP Chief Reporter Hong Sung-goo / Special Contribution from this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com