Why was ‘SAM095’ call sign used for JD Vance’s flight to Islamabad?

ISLAMABAD: A special flight carrying US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Pakistan as part of high-level diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran.

Aviation sources said the aircraft used the call sign “SAM095,” which refers to a Special Air Mission. This designation is used for US Air Force flights carrying senior officials on official government duties. The vice president usually travels under the “Air Force Two” call sign, but this mission appears to be part of a broader operation involving multiple top officials.

The US delegation also included envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. They arrived in Islamabad on a C-32A aircraft, commonly used for senior US leadership travel.

Officials said the talks in Islamabad include senior representatives from both the United States and Iran. An Iranian delegation led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had arrived earlier.

These negotiations are expected to be the most important US-Iran contact since the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the first direct talks since the 2015 nuclear deal.

However, Iran has said talks cannot begin unless certain conditions are met, including the unfreezing of assets and a ceasefire in the region. The United States has rejected linking other conflicts to the negotiation process.

According to reports, around 70 Iranian officials and nearly 100 US personnel are in Islamabad for preparations. Security in the city has been tightened, with large deployments of security forces to ensure safety.

A temporary ceasefire has already slowed down fighting in the region, but tensions remain high due to ongoing issues involving Iran, Israel, and Hezbollah, along with disruptions in global energy routes.

Officials say discussions are still ongoing to decide the final format and timing of the negotiations.