Fate of Iran peace talks uncertain as deadline approaches for end of ceasefire

InternationalTop NewsFate of Iran peace talks uncertain as deadline approaches for end of ceasefireBy Reuters -Apr 21, 2026Iran is considering attending peace talks with the United States in Pakistan, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday, following moves by Islamabad to end a U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports, ​a significant obstacle to Tehran rejoining peace efforts as the end of a two-week ceasefire approaches. However, the official stressed that no decision had been made and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that “continued violations of ‌the ceasefire” by the U.S. are a major obstacle to continuing the diplomatic process. Araqchi told his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in a telephone call that Iran, while taking all aspects of the matter into account, had yet to decide how to proceed further. On Monday night, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused U.S. President Donald Trump on X of increasing pressure on Tehran through the blockade and ceasefire violations, saying Iran rejects negotiations under threat. The two-week ceasefire in a conflict that has killed thousands and roiled the global economy, particularly energy markets, is set to expire this week. It had appeared ​to be in jeopardy after the U.S. said it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade and Tehran vowed to retaliate. In the Islamabad talks, Trump is eager for a deal that would ​help avoid another surge in oil prices and plunge in stock markets. Iran hopes to leverage its control of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping channel for global energy supplies, ⁠to get an agreement that prevents a resumption of the war, and allows financial relief from long-running sanctions and some breathing room for its nuclear program. Adding to the uncertainty, Vice President JD Vance remained in the United States on Monday, a separate ​source told Reuters, denying reports he was already on his way to Pakistan for talks. The unnamed senior Iranian official sai...