Speaking before boarding Air Force Two, Vance said Washington was open to constructive negotiations but warned that progress would depend on Tehran’s willingness to engage in good faith.

“We’re going to try to have a positive negotiation,” Vance told reporters. “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand.”

The diplomatic effort comes amid heightened tensions following a two-week ceasefire agreement that has been repeatedly tested by mutual accusations of non-compliance.

Pakistan is hosting the talks as part of ongoing international efforts to prevent further escalation between Washington and Tehran, with the outcome seen as critical to maintaining regional stability.

During the call, the ministers reviewed recent developments and discussed ways to reduce tensions and restore regional security and stability, according to the statement posted on X.

The contact comes amid a fragile ceasefire announced earlier this week following heightened hostilities that saw Iran launch strikes against Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, in response to Israeli and U.S. military actions.

The exchange signals a potential diplomatic opening between Riyadh and Tehran at a time of sustained regional volatility, with multiple fronts of conflict continuing despite the truce.

Lebanon’s foreign ministry said it had declared Iranian envoy Mohammad Reza Sheibani persona non grata and instructed him to depart Lebanese territory within days.

The decision was conveyed after the ministry summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires in Beirut.In a statement, the ministry said the move followed what it described as Tehran’s breach of established diplomatic practices, without providing further operational details.

Lebanon also summoned its own ambassador to Iran for consultations, signalling a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations.The move comes after Beirut accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guards of directing Hezbollah’s military operations in its ongoing conflict with Israel, an allegation that has heightened political and security tensions within Lebanon.

The expulsion unfolds against the backdrop of escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, now in their fourth week, which have drawn in broader regional actors.

The conflict has triggered widespread destruction in parts of Lebanon and intensified scrutiny of Iran’s role in supporting Hezbollah, a powerful armed group and political actor in the country.

The diplomatic rupture underscores mounting pressure on Lebanon’s government as it navigates internal divisions and external influences during a rapidly widening Middle East conflict.