US Vice President JD Vance drew attention during the opening session of high-level US-Iran talks in Switzerland when he revealed the names of his two “favourite” people from India and Pakistan. Speaking at a luxury resort overlooking Lake Lucerne in Burgenstock, Vance mentioned his wife, Usha Vance, and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir while highlighting the diplomatic efforts that brought the negotiations together.
The remarks came as representatives from the United States and Iran gathered for the first round of direct discussions aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. The talks are being facilitated by international mediators, including delegations from Pakistan and Qatar, and are focused on expanding a recently agreed interim understanding between Washington and Tehran.
Addressing delegates at the summit, Vance recalled his recent interactions with Pakistan’s military chief and credited him for playing a constructive role in creating conditions for dialogue.
Vance said that ever since he was welcomed in Islamabad by Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir, he has jokingly referred to having two very important people in his life—his wife Usha Vance from India and Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir.
The US Vice President noted that he has been in frequent contact with Munir over the past several months and praised his diplomatic approach. According to Vance, the Pakistani military leader’s engagement and efforts helped support regional discussions during a period of heightened uncertainty.
Vance described Munir as not only a respected military commander but also a capable diplomat who contributed to ongoing efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region. He added that international cooperation remains essential as countries seek peaceful solutions to long-standing conflicts.
During his opening remarks, Vance emphasized that diplomacy offered the best path forward for achieving stability in the Middle East. He said the discussions represented an opportunity to reshape relations and avoid returning to cycles of confrontation that have defined the region for decades.
“The real question is how much more we can achieve together from this point,” Vance said. “Can we begin a new chapter, or will we return to old patterns that have repeatedly created instability?”
He also described the talks as historic, noting that the United States and Iran have rarely engaged in discussions at such a senior level. According to Vance, both sides have an opportunity to pursue a more constructive relationship while addressing critical regional issues.
The American delegation is being led by Vance alongside senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s team includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.