International
oi-Swastika Sruti
US Vice President JD Vance has praised Pakistan’s leadership for helping advance diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, saying the two countries would not have reached the current stage of negotiations without Islamabad’s support.
US Vice President JD Vance praised Pakistan’s leadership, specifically Army chief Asim Munir, for advancing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran during a meeting in Switzerland. Vance credited Pakistan’s crucial support for the ongoing negotiations and fostering regional cooperation.
Speaking during a quadrilateral meeting involving Pakistan, Qatar, Iran and the United States in Switzerland, Vance highlighted the role played by Pakistan’s military leadership and made a light-hearted remark that quickly drew attention online.
Vance’s Joke About His Wife and Asim Munir
During his interaction with reporters, Vance said there had been only two particularly important people in his life over the past three months – his wife and Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir.
In a humorous comment, he said one was Indian and the other Pakistani.
“I have joked that I have two very important people in my life, an Indian and a Pakistani.
“The Indian is my wife and the Pakistani is Field Marshal Asim Munir” pic.twitter.com/G2sb4hxs4D
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) June 21, 2026
The Indian is my wife and the Pakistani is Field Marshal Munir. I’ve probably talked to Munir more than I’ve talked to anybody else over the last three months,” Vance said.
The remark came while discussing the diplomatic efforts that led to the current round of US-Iran negotiations.
Credits Pakistan for Advancing Diplomacy
Vance went on to praise Munir’s role in facilitating communication and helping move discussions forward.
According to the US Vice President, Pakistan’s involvement was instrumental in bringing both sides closer to direct engagement.
He described Munir not only as a capable military leader but also as an effective diplomat who contributed significantly to the peace process.
Vance said the current negotiations would likely not have reached this stage without the support and statesmanship shown by Pakistan’s leadership.
Focus Shifts From Conflict to Cooperation
Speaking about the broader goals of the negotiations, Vance said recent diplomatic efforts had already achieved several important objectives.
These include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and securing commitments from Iran regarding its nuclear programme.
According to him, the focus has now shifted towards exploring whether the current opportunity can be used to transform relations across the Middle East.
Vance said Washington hopes to encourage greater cooperation between Iran and Gulf countries, which have experienced years of tensions and regional rivalry.
‘Iran Has Been a Driver of Regional Instability’
While expressing optimism about diplomacy, Vance also criticised Iran’s past role in the region.
He said Iran had long been a source of instability in the Middle East but suggested there was now an opportunity to move towards a different future.
According to Vance, the objective of the ongoing talks is to create conditions where countries in the region can work together to promote peace, economic growth and stability.
He stressed that diplomacy remains the most effective way to achieve those goals.
Vance Addresses Lebanon Ceasefire Concerns
Responding to questions about alleged ceasefire violations involving Israel and Lebanon, Vance acknowledged that peace processes are often complicated.
He said disagreements and setbacks are common during negotiations, but argued that the overall situation has improved significantly compared to a few months ago.
The US Vice President said Washington remains committed to preserving and strengthening the ceasefire in Lebanon and has played a major role in reducing tensions there.
Talks Seen as Beginning of Longer Process
Vance also cautioned against expecting immediate solutions to every issue.
He said the purpose of the current discussions is to establish a framework that allows all sides to present their concerns, address disputes and gradually work towards mutually acceptable outcomes.
As negotiations continue in Switzerland, the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar are expected to focus on some of the most sensitive issues in the region, including security concerns, nuclear commitments and long-term diplomatic cooperation.
The latest remarks from Vance suggest that while major challenges remain, Washington believes the ongoing talks represent an important opportunity to reshape relationships in the Middle East through dialogue rather than conflict.
