Diplomatic efforts to finish the US-Israel warfare on Iran are stalled as Tehran rejects talks below stress.
Printed On 21 Apr 2026
Diplomatic efforts to finish the US-Israel warfare on Iran stay unsure, with Tehran refusing to barter below what it calls the “shadow of threats”.
United States President Donald Trump has mentioned the blockade of Iranian ports will stay till a deal is reached, however Tehran desires it lifted earlier than the talks. A two-week ceasefire expires on Wednesday.
In the meantime, Washington can be getting ready for talks between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday, at the same time as Israeli forces proceed with their strikes in southern Lebanon. A minimum of six folks have been wounded and houses destroyed within the assaults regardless of a 10-day ceasefire.
Here’s what we all know:
In Iran:
- Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mentioned Iran is “prepared to indicate new playing cards on the battlefield” if clashes with the US resume after the ceasefire ends.
- Iran reopened Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports after weeks of war-related closures, aviation authorities mentioned.
- The US desires Iran to halt its nuclear programme and hand over enriched uranium, a requirement Tehran rejects. Iran says its nuclear programme is for analysis functions and that it doesn’t intend to make an atomic bomb.
- Iran has sought the discharge of its frozen property and compensation for harm brought on by US and Israeli strikes.
- Tutorial Zohreh Kharazmi mentioned Tehran believes it holds the higher hand and won’t negotiate “below the shadow of threats”, arguing Trump is “actually in want of the negotiations”, although Iran would like to keep away from renewed combating.
Conflict diplomacy:
- The Division of State will maintain new talks on Thursday following a fragile ceasefire, a US official informed the AFP information company.
- A US staff is predicted to journey to Pakistan “quickly” for additional negotiations, although Iran has not confirmed participation.
- French President Emmanuel Macron referred to as the US and Iranian blockades of the Strait of Hormuz “a mistake on either side”.
- Russia referred to as for the US-Iran ceasefire to be prolonged past its expiry on Wednesday.
- China, the principle purchaser of Iranian oil, expressed “concern” over the US seizure of the Iranian-flagged vessel close to the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend and urged all events to renew peace talks.
Within the Gulf:
- Qatar resumes flights: Qatar will once more enable international airways to land at its essential airport after suspensions throughout the battle.
Within the US:
- Trump mentioned sanctions on Iranian ports would stay till Tehran agrees to a peace deal.
- Daniel Benaim, former deputy assistant secretary of state for Arabian Peninsula affairs, mentioned the US has fallen wanting its key goals in Iran, warning it’s now in a extra complicated army and diplomatic place than initially of the warfare.
- Trump attacked information shops, together with CNN, accusing them of downplaying US strikes on Iran and claiming he’s “successful” the warfare, whereas dismissing crucial reporting as “pretend information”.
In Israel:
- Israel has been demanding the Lebanese authorities disarm Hezbollah, utilizing its continued presence in southern Lebanon as leverage, regardless of considerations this might set off wider instability.
- Amnesty Worldwide has accused Israel of contributing to a worldwide decline in human rights, alongside the US and Russia.
In Lebanon and Gaza
- Lebanon dying toll rises: Israeli assaults have killed a minimum of 2,387 folks since combating escalated six weeks in the past, officers mentioned.
- ‘Israel talks separate’: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun mentioned deliberate talks with Israel have been “separate” from the Iran-US negotiations.
- Violence continues in Gaza: Regardless of an October ceasefire, Israeli operations have killed greater than 780 Palestinians, with latest strikes reported throughout Gaza.
World financial system
- Oil costs bounce: World oil costs rose on Monday after Iran once more closed the Strait of Hormuz and the US Navy seized an Iranian cargo ship close to the important thing waterway.
- Dutch gasoline help: The Netherlands will spend greater than $1.1bn to assist companies and households address rising gasoline prices linked to the warfare.
