Iran Refuses to Join Second Round of Talks with US
In the past week, we had shared details with you that things were going wrong and the indications were not good, and in the end, exactly what was feared has happened. And just one day before the ceasefire ends, Iran has announced that they are not coming for these negotiations. They will not participate in this second round of negotiations with America.
I had told you that last night around approximately 10–10:30 PM, from one of their news agencies, it was first announced that Iran is not interested anymore in sitting at the table with America. Today in the afternoon, around approximately 12–12:30 PM, the spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Office, Ismail Baqai, held a proper press conference. And in that press conference, he also explained the reasons and gave their point of view.
Iran is not interested in coming to the second round of these peace talks
He said that at this time, Iran is not interested in coming to the second round of these peace talks. Now what exactly he said, I will summarize and tell you. He said America has violated the ceasefire. Now this is basically referring to the violation when an Iranian oil tanker was targeted.
Last night Donald Trump tweeted about it and said that they themselves had targeted this oil tanker. Through their naval ship, they targeted it and hit its engine room. The Iranian vessel’s engine was hit. Now according to the details that have come so far, in terms of location, this action happened near the Iran–Pakistan border area. It is being said that this operation took place in the Arabian Sea where the Iranian ship was targeted.
Due to this, Iran’s Foreign Office held a press conference. They said that America violated the ceasefire. They informed the Pakistani mediator. America continued naval blockade and violated the ceasefire. American actions show that they are not interested in diplomacy. Iran has no intention of participating in the second round of negotiations. Iranian officials will not go to Pakistan for the second round of talks. America cannot be trusted. In current conditions, talks with America are not possible. No intention to talk with Washington at this time.
America’s mistakes can be dangerous for the region
They cannot forget past attacks during negotiations. Iran will continue to protect its interests. America has not learned from the past. America is still insisting on unreasonable demands. In the past also, America acted against agreements. There has been no change in American policies, so results will not be better. America’s mistakes can be dangerous for the region. America’s actions are increasing crisis instead of stability. If America acts again, Iran will respond strongly. Blaming Iran is America’s old habit.
Lebanon ceasefire was part of the agreement
They also said that America did not accept Lebanon ceasefire as part of any agreement. Lebanon ceasefire was part of the agreement. They had clarified this to the Pakistani mediator. American demands are unreasonable. Iran has already clarified its stance. Regarding enriched uranium transfer, American media spread baseless reports.
America never even discussed enriched uranium transfer. American media is giving contradictory statements. Iran has maintained one clear position. Their conditions are based on logic. Some media claims have no relation with reality. Iran presented 10-point proposals in Islamabad talks.
Hormuz was completely safe before US and Israeli attacks
Hormuz was completely safe before US and Israeli attacks. American and Israeli actions disturbed peace in the region. In response to a question, the Iranian spokesperson said that currently Pakistan is the only country acting as mediator. They are neither fully hopeful nor completely disappointed. So they have left a small window open in this entire matter.
Now if you look at how Iran reached this point, you have to go back 3–4 days. Field Marshal Asim Munir had visited Iran and stayed there for several days. After that, the good news came that Iran reopened the Hormuz Strait, which had been closed for weeks. But unfortunately, within just 24 hours, Hormuz was closed again because America did not end its naval blockade. Donald Trump clearly announced that they will not end it. So Iran said if you will not end it, then we will also close Hormuz. Ships passing will either be fired upon or will pass only with Iran’s permission.
After that, two Indian ships were also fired upon, and India protested to Iran.
Now the situation has reached here. But what is happening now and what may happen next is important. First of all, after this press conference, phone calls must have started in Tehran, Islamabad, and Washington that the peace process should not derail and must continue. I am pretty sure Pakistan will not leave this matter. It will continue.
Today morning, it was also reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met the US Ambassador in Pakistan. Obviously, he is the Interior Minister, so this meeting was likely about security arrangements. This means everything is still on the table. It is possible that within the next 12–24 hours, the situation may change. Developments are happening very fast. Every hour brings new updates.
24 Hours Left Before Ceasefire Deadline
Right now Americans are likely sleeping, and within a few hours, we will start seeing American reactions. Donald Trump will most probably tweet himself. Another critical point is that only 24 hours are left before the ceasefire ends. This is a make-or-break situation. Both sides may show strength before talks. It seems both know they will sit at the table, so public posturing is happening to show they are not interested.
This also happened before the first round of talks, but eventually they sat together. I am still hopeful things will move in a positive direction. In Islamabad, hotels that were vacated for talks are still not reopened, meaning negotiations are still expected.
Oil Price Increasing around $95–97
Markets reacted strongly after the press conference. Oil prices had dropped to around $86–87 last week, but after the recent developments, they have risen to around $95–97 and are still increasing. According to footage, the US warned the Iranian ship for 6 hours, then fired and disabled its engine, and later took control of the ship. Details about crew are not yet clear.
Iran responded by claiming drone strikes against US vessels in the Gulf of Oman
China expressed concern over the forced seizure of the ship and urged responsible behavior. Reports say risks have increased that ceasefire may not hold. US confirmed firing on the Iranian ship after it tried to break blockade. Trump said they have full control of the ship. Iran warned it will retaliate. Pressure groups inside Iran support continuing the war, believing Iran has the upper hand.
Reports suggest Trump’s unpredictable behavior may damage negotiations. Iran is preparing for a long war if no agreement is reached. Another report revealed Trump was kept out of a military rescue planning room because his behavior was not helpful. He shouted at officials and was considered disruptive.
US Public Disapproval Rises Amid Inflation Concerns
His approval rating has dropped to 37%, with 63% disapproval. Many Americans are unhappy with his handling of Iran and rising inflation. Fuel prices in the US have increased significantly and may remain above $3 per gallon for years.
Protests Erupt in Tehran Supporting Government
Protests were held in Tehran in support of the government. Protests also took place in Berlin against US and Israeli actions. In northern Israel, schools and shops were closed due to protests against ceasefire with Lebanon.
Iran Rejects Second Round of Islamabad Talks (Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei / Ismail Baqai Press Conference)
- https://www.aninews.in/news/world/middle-east/iran-rejects-second-round-of-negotiation-talks-in-islamabad-cites-excessive-demands-and-ceasefire-breach-by-us20260420030845
- https://www.firstpost.com/world/iran-rejects-second-round-of-us-talks-cites-excessive-demands-unrealistic-expectations-14002193.html
- https://iol.co.za/news/world/2026-04-20-iran-rejects-new-us-talks-as-ceasefire-tensions-rise/ (Esmaeil Baqaei statement)
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/20/iran-rejects-second-round-of-us-talks-as-ceasefire-tensions-rise
US Navy Fires on & Seizes Iranian Oil Tanker (M/V Touska) in Arabian Sea / Near Hormuz (Ceasefire Violation Claim)
- https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/us-iran-war-hormuz-blockade-pakistan-april-20
- https://apnews.com/article/us-iran-war-israel-hormuz-19-april-2026-0a637f98d588930f195f61cffe07d4f3 (detailed on seizure after warnings)
- https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-iranian-tanker-seizure-hormuz-blockade-2026-4
Broader Context: Ongoing Ceasefire Tensions, Hormuz Re-Closure, Naval Blockade
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Strait_of_Hormuz_crisis (overview with timeline)
- https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-reimposes-control-strait-hormuz-after-us-blockade-2026-04-19/
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