Tensions are rising between Washington and Tehran as the end of the ceasefire approaches, at a time when the United States is preparing to send a delegation to Pakistan to resume negotiations, while Iran is linking its participation to lifting the blockade on its ports, amid an escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, sharp differences over the nuclear file, and parallel developments in Lebanon.

Published on: 04/21/2026 - 05:19 Last updated: 04/21/2026 - 07:39

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An American delegation is heading to Pakistan to conduct a new round of negotiations with Iran, according to what an American source accompanying the discussions told Agence France-Presse, while Tehran requires lifting the blockade on its ports to participate in any talks.

The delegation will leave “soon,” according to the source, after US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday his intention to send a team to Islamabad to resume efforts to end the war that broke out on February 28, before the end of the two-week ceasefire deadline announced on April 8.

Trump set a deadline for Wednesday evening, Washington time, to sign an agreement, according to what he told Bloomberg, while ruling out extending the truce, warning in a statement to CBS that failure to respond to American demands would lead to “the explosion of many bombs.”

On the other hand, Tehran describes the American measures as “clear violations,” as its Foreign Ministry announced that the control of an Iranian cargo ship, the blockade of ports, and the delay in implementing the truce in Lebanon undermine any negotiating path, stressing that no decision has been taken regarding the next round.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei confirmed that American behavior does not reflect seriousness in moving toward diplomacy, despite the declared rhetoric.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said that Washington is seeking to turn the negotiations into a “surrender table,” refusing to negotiate under threat, and indicating that his country is ready for other options.

This comes in conjunction with the announcement of the reopening of Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports in Tehran after a closure that lasted for weeks due to the war.

Read also: Trump announces a ten-day truce between Israel and Lebanon and invites Aoun and Netanyahu to meet at the White House

Hormuz is the axis of escalation

President Trump links lifting the blockade on Iranian ports to reaching an agreement, considering that this measure “completely destroys Iran” and inflicts daily losses estimated at $500 million.

On the other hand, Lloyd's List Intelligence reveals that 26 ships from the Iranian fleet have been able to bypass the blockade since it was imposed last week.

Washington continues its naval blockade, after Trump announced that an American destroyer forcibly stopped an Iranian ship after it ignored orders to stop, by disabling its engine room and taking control of it.

While Tehran pledged to respond, the Marine Traffic website indicated that navigation traffic in the Strait had declined to zero on Sunday.

Iran repeatedly links its participation in the negotiations to lifting the blockade, as the dispute continues over its nuclear file, as Trump talks about Tehran agreeing to export enriched uranium, which the Islamic Republic denies.

Islamabad is witnessing tight security measures in preparation for the possibility of holding talks, with roads closed and barbed wire deployed.

For its part, Moscow called for maintaining the truce and continuing diplomatic efforts, at a time when oil prices are rising and global stocks are declining against the backdrop of tension around the Strait of Hormuz.

While Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed, during a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the necessity of maintaining freedom of navigation.

Lebanon between truce and negotiation

In Lebanon, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that the goal of the upcoming negotiations with Israel is to stop hostilities and end the presence of its forces in the south of the country, noting that Simon Karam will head the Lebanese delegation.

The fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has continued since midnight on Thursday, Friday, after a 10-day truce announced by Trump, in a war that began on March 2 and resulted in the deaths of 2,387 people and the displacement of more than a million.

Hezbollah refuses to enter into direct negotiations with Israel, and also opposes the government's decision to disarm it, while Aoun considers negotiation a necessary option to avoid "suicide."

Representative Hassan Fadlallah stressed that Lebanon's interest lies in exiting the path of direct negotiations, stressing that the party's weapons cannot be removed.

On the other hand, American information indicates that Washington will host a new round of talks on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon with the aim of pushing towards an agreement.

France 24/AFP

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