On April 20, 2026, a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad to negotiate an end to the Iran war, but Iran has not yet decided whether to send its own team to the talks.
The two-week ceasefire in the Iran conflict expires on Wednesday, April 23, and Tehran says it has made no decision about joining new negotiations with the United States in Pakistan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi told his Pakistani counterpart in a phone call that ongoing US violations of the ceasefire, especially attacks on Iranian merchant ships, are a major obstacle to continuing diplomacy.
He added that Iran will carefully weigh the circumstances before deciding on its next steps, though he did not rule out future talks entirely.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai confirmed the government has not yet decided whether to dispatch a delegation to Islamabad, saying US diplomatic efforts appear unserious given continued provocations.
Baghai noted that Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir had recently delivered a new US proposal to Tehran during a visit, which is still under review.
Trump warns of renewed attacks if Iran rejects deal
US President Donald Trump said extending the ceasefire is highly unlikely and warned Iran of massive attacks if the pause ends without a new agreement.
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump stated he is ready to meet Iranian leaders if talks indicate progress, but reiterated his threat to destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran should Tehran refuse US terms for ending the war.
Iran signals new battlefield options if war resumes
Iranian Parliament President Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran has prepared new strategic advantages for the battlefield over the past two weeks and is ready to play them if fighting resumes.
Dispute over Hormus Strait blockade may be shifting
While Trump has insisted on maintaining the US blockade of the Strait of Hormus, Reuters reported that American security officials are now considering an end to the restriction.
China urges restraint and respect for ceasefire
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called the Strait of Hormus an international waterway and urged all parties to act responsibly, uphold the ceasefire, and avoid escalating tensions in the region.
Why is Iran hesitating to join talks in Pakistan?
Iran says ongoing US attacks on its ships and the lack of sincerity in American diplomacy make it impossible to trust negotiations, especially after the seizure of a merchant vessel.
