Trump has handed JD Vance his most difficult mission yet
Trump has handed JD Vance his most difficult mission yet
During an Easter lunch at the White House, Trump deviated from his prepared remarks to comment on JD Vance’s role in finalizing a peace agreement with Iran. “If it doesn’t happen, I’m blaming JD Vance,” he quipped, prompting laughter at the recent East Room gathering where top aides, including Vice-President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, were present. He later added, “If it does happen, I’m taking full credit.” These remarks underscored Vance’s precarious position as he leads the U.S. delegation in talks with Iran in Islamabad.
Vance’s current assignment is the most demanding of his vice-presidency to date. Success here carries limited rewards and significant risks, as failure could damage his standing. The mission in Pakistan is a complex diplomatic landscape. To achieve a lasting agreement, he must balance the demands of multiple parties with divergent priorities, all of whom remain skeptical of one another following a six-week military campaign that reshaped the Middle East and disrupted global markets.
“Vance needs to step into the room and deliver something,” said a European official, who requested anonymity. “Otherwise, he will be diminished.”
Trump’s fluctuating stance on the conflict adds to the pressure. While he has championed peace, he has also warned of catastrophic consequences for Iran. The negotiations require backing from Tehran’s resilient regime, which has fortified its control over the Strait of Hormuz, and from Israel, which hesitates to endorse a broader ceasefire. European allies, opposing the war and reluctant to assist in reopening the strait, are also scrutinizing Vance’s approach.
Vance, a former Marine with experience in Iraq, has historically criticized U.S. foreign entanglements. In private discussions with Trump, he reportedly voiced strong reservations about striking Iran. Jeff Rathke, head of the American-German Institute, noted, “Vance has signaled a desire for restraint in American foreign policy. That’s pretty hard to square with the American war against Iran.”
The challenge for Vance in Islamabad is whether he can satisfy all parties. A deal might mean a comprehensive peace agreement or simply a productive start that avoids derailing the temporary ceasefire. A White House official told the BBC that Trump had entrusted Vance with leading the talks. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed that Vance had already worked with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, both of whom will accompany him to Pakistan.
Before departing Washington on Friday, Vance tempered expectations. “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend an open hand,” he told reporters. He also cautioned Iran against “playing us,” adding that Trump had provided the team “some pretty clear guidelines.” Yet, Trump’s tendency to alter his position complicates matters. The vice-president must represent a leader whose rationale for the war has shifted dramatically since late February.
On Friday afternoon, when asked about his instructions to Vance, Trump remarked, “I wish him luck. He’s got a big thing.” He praised the team as “good” and hinted that outcomes would be determined by how negotiations unfold. The president’s unpredictable approach was evident earlier in the week, as he alternated between demanding Iran’s swift agreement, warning of civilizational collapse on Truth Social, and announcing a ceasefire just hours before his deadline for escalating the conflict.
The tense hours on Tuesday were as nerve-racking as any moment during the crisis. Trump’s erratic behavior during the whirlwind period before the ceasefire deal solidified his reputation for last-minute dramatics. With so many moving parts, Vance’s ability to navigate this volatile environment will be tested like never before.