According to Al Jazeera, on April 19, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American negotiators are planning to travel to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on Monday to advance a new round of talks aimed at ending the U.S.–Israel war on Iran. However, Trump did not specify who would be attending. A previous round of talks led by Vice President JD Vance failed to reach an agreement.
On social media, Trump accused Iran of violating a two-week ceasefire agreement set to expire on Wednesday, claiming that Iran opened fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. He also issued a strong warning, stating that if Iran refuses to accept U.S. conditions, the United States will destroy its key civilian infrastructure.
“We are offering a very fair and reasonable deal. If they do not accept it, the United States will destroy all of Iran’s power plants and bridges,” Trump wrote.
Military tensions have simultaneously intensified. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed again, less than 24 hours after briefly reopening, stating that passage will not resume until the U.S. lifts its blockade.
The U.S. military said that since the blockade was implemented, it has forced 23 vessels to turn back near the strait and has continued intercepting ships entering and leaving Iranian ports.
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NBC19 further reported that the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Spruance intercepted and took control of a nearly 900-foot cargo vessel, TOUSKA, flying an Iranian flag in the Gulf of Oman, stating that it was attempting to break through the blockade. Iran has not yet publicly responded.
Meanwhile, vessels from multiple countries have been caught up in the escalating tensions. French shipping giant CMA CGM said one of its ships was fired upon as a warning. An Indian vessel also reported coming under gunfire and shelling in the strait. Iranian media claimed the shots were intended to force ships to turn back.
Talks show little progress; deep divisions remain
Despite rising tensions, diplomatic channels remain open. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said last week’s talks made “significant progress” but that a basic framework still needs to be reached first. He criticized U.S. demands on the nuclear issue as “extreme.”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also stated that major differences remain between the two sides and that they are still “far from a final agreement.”
The U.S. continues to send a hardline message. Trump said the United States is taking a “strong stance” and will not be “blackmailed” over the Strait of Hormuz issue. He also stated that Vance will not participate in the next round of talks due to “security reasons.”
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told NBC that “all options are on the table” and warned that Iran must choose between integrating into the international community or continuing to act as a “problematic regime.”
The current two-week ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday. With both sides accusing each other of violations, increasing maritime clashes, and unclear prospects for negotiations, the fragile truce is facing severe strain.
Analysts widely believe that control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program remain the core sticking points. With military confrontation and diplomatic deadlock intertwining, the coming days may become a critical window in determining the trajectory of the conflict.
