Iran has rejected participation in a second round of peace talks, citing “Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire,” the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported on Sunday (April 19).&nbsp;IRNA pointed to Washington’s “maximalism and unreasonable and unrealistic demands, frequent changes of positions, constant contradictions and the continuation of the so-called naval blockade,” adding that “in these circumstances, there is no clear prospect of fruitful negotiations.”&nbsp;Other Iranian outlets, including Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency, quoted anonymous sources as saying Tehran has not taken a final decision on participation, with the overall atmosphere described as “not very positive.” One source cited by Fars said lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports remains a key precondition for any talks.&nbsp;The developments come as US President Donald Trump confirmed that a second round of negotiations with Iran is being planned in Islamabad, Pakistan. Speaking to ABC’s Jonathan Karl, Trump expressed confidence about securing a deal while accusing Tehran of “serious violations” during the recent two-week ceasefire.&nbsp;“It will happen. One way or another. The nice way or the hard way. It’s going to happen. You can quote me,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-eight-children-killed-in-louisiana-shooting-suspect-shot-dead-after-chase-1776616362642">US: Eight children killed in Louisiana shooting, suspect shot dead after chase</a>&nbsp;In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan. They will be there tomorrow evening for negotiations.”&nbsp;“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran,” he added.&nbsp;Trump also clarified that Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation in the first round of talks that failed to produce a breakthrough, would not attend the upcoming negotiations. He cited security constraints, saying the Secret Service could not arrange protection on short notice.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s only because of security,” Trump said, adding, “JD’s great.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in what analysts interpret as efforts to convince Tehran to join the second round of negotiations in Islamabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I had a warm and constructive conversation with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian this evening on the evolving regional situation. I appreciated Iran’s engagement, including its high-level delegation to Islamabad for the historic talks, and recent discussions with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Tehran,” Sharif wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I also shared insights from my recent engagements with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye. I assured him that, with the support of friends and partners, Pakistan remains fully committed to its role as an honest and sincere facilitator of lasting peace and regional stability,” he added.&nbsp;

The developments come as US President Donald Trump confirmed that a second round of negotiations with Iran is being planned in Islamabad, Pakistan. 

Iran has rejected participation in a second round of peace talks, citing “Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire,” the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported on Sunday (April 19). IRNA pointed to Washington’s “maximalism and unreasonable and unrealistic demands, frequent changes of positions, constant contradictions and the continuation of the so-called naval blockade,” adding that “in these circumstances, there is no clear prospect of fruitful negotiations.” Other Iranian outlets, including Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency, quoted anonymous sources as saying Tehran has not taken a final decision on participation, with the overall atmosphere described as “not very positive.” One source cited by Fars said lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports remains a key precondition for any talks. The developments come as US President Donald Trump confirmed that a second round of negotiations with Iran is being planned in Islamabad, Pakistan. Speaking to ABC’s Jonathan Karl, Trump expressed confidence about securing a deal while accusing Tehran of “serious violations” during the recent two-week ceasefire. “It will happen. One way or another. The nice way or the hard way. It’s going to happen. You can quote me,” he said. Also Read: US: Eight children killed in Louisiana shooting, suspect shot dead after chase In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan. They will be there tomorrow evening for negotiations.” “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran,” he added. Trump also clarified that Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation in the first round of talks that failed to produce a breakthrough, would not attend the upcoming negotiations. He cited security constraints, saying the Secret Service could not arrange protection on short notice. “It’s only because of security,” Trump said, adding, “JD’s great.” Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in what analysts interpret as efforts to convince Tehran to join the second round of negotiations in Islamabad. “I had a warm and constructive conversation with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian this evening on the evolving regional situation. I appreciated Iran’s engagement, including its high-level delegation to Islamabad for the historic talks, and recent discussions with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Tehran,” Sharif wrote on X. “I also shared insights from my recent engagements with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye. I assured him that, with the support of friends and partners, Pakistan remains fully committed to its role as an honest and sincere facilitator of lasting peace and regional stability,” he added.

The developments come as US President Donald Trump confirmed that a second round of negotiations with Iran is being planned in Islamabad, Pakistan.&nbsp;

Iran to skip second round of talks in Pakistan, blames excessive US demands and Hormuz blockade: State media

After the talks held in Pakistan failed to yield any result, Iran on Saturday (April 18) said it is reviewing new proposals from the United States delivered through Islamabad. However, a response from its side is yet to be issued an is under consideration.&nbsp;“In recent days, with the Commander of the Pakistani Army in Tehran as a mediator and intermediary, new proposals have been put forward by the Americans, which the Islamic Republic of Iran is currently reviewing and has not yet responded to,” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement.&nbsp;The statement further said that its negotiating delegation "will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation".<h2>Iran cannot 'blackmail us'</h2>&nbsp;While the United States President Donald Trump while speaking at an event in the White House on Saturday warned Iran against any "blackmail" on Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran declared the strategic waterway once again closed.&nbsp;"We're talking to them. They wanted to close up the strait again -- you know, as they've been doing for years -- and they can't blackmail us," Trump said.&nbsp;Early today, IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz has now “returned to its previous state”. The move, according to IRGC is being taken due to US’s continuing blockade of Iranian ports.&nbsp;"Every breach of promise by America will be met with a fitting response. As long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain in its previous state. By the will of Allah," IRGC said.&nbsp;The head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, too reacted and mocked United States by saying, "We warned you, but you ignored it. Now ENJOY the Strait of Hormuz returning to the status quo."&nbsp;

The statement by Iran said that its negotiating delegation will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation.

After the talks held in Pakistan failed to yield any result, Iran on Saturday (April 18) said it is reviewing new proposals from the United States delivered through Islamabad. However, a response from its side is yet to be issued an is under consideration. “In recent days, with the Commander of the Pakistani Army in Tehran as a mediator and intermediary, new proposals have been put forward by the Americans, which the Islamic Republic of Iran is currently reviewing and has not yet responded to,” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement. The statement further said that its negotiating delegation "will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation". Iran cannot 'blackmail us' While the United States President Donald Trump while speaking at an event in the White House on Saturday warned Iran against any "blackmail" on Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran declared the strategic waterway once again closed. "We're talking to them. They wanted to close up the strait again -- you know, as they've been doing for years -- and they can't blackmail us," Trump said. Early today, IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz has now “returned to its previous state”. The move, according to IRGC is being taken due to US’s continuing blockade of Iranian ports. "Every breach of promise by America will be met with a fitting response. As long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain in its previous state. By the will of Allah," IRGC said. The head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, too reacted and mocked United States by saying, "We warned you, but you ignored it. Now ENJOY the Strait of Hormuz returning to the status quo."

The statement by Iran said that its negotiating delegation "will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation".

Iran 'reviewing' US proposal as Trump says 'Tehran cannot blackmail us on Strait of Hormuz'

&nbsp;The Iranian government on Friday declared that the Strait of Hormuz is ‘completely open’ for all commercial ships for the remaining period of the ceasefire, marking a significant easing in maritime restrictions in one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The opening of the Strait of Hormuz is a major relief to all nations across the world.&nbsp;Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced the key development in a post on X, saying, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/2045121573124759713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that the safe passage will only be applied on the coordinated route as already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.&nbsp;The announcement comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Trump had earlier imposed a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, including all ports of Iran. The US Navy has already started the blockade.&nbsp;<h2>‘Strait of Iran is fully open. Thank you,’ says Trump</h2>&nbsp;After the announcement by Iran, US President Donald Trump thanked Tehran in a post on Truth Social. He wrote, “Iran has just announced that the strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;In another post, Trump said that though the Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect until the deal with Iran is 100% complete.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!,” Trump wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;<h2>Oil prices fall after Iran’s announcement</h2>&nbsp;Oil prices fell by ​about 9%, extending ​earlier losses, ⁠following Arahchi’s post.The International Monetary Fund this week <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/imf-cuts-growth-outlook-warns-potential-global-recession-if-iran-war-worsens-2026-04-14/">lowered its forecasts</a> for global growth and warned the global ​economy risked tipping into recession if the conflict was ​prolonged.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Even temporary changes in access or restrictions in the waterway have major implications for global energy markets and shipping security.

The key announcement comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Trump had earlier imposed a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, including all ports of Iran. The US Navy has already started the blockade.

The Iranian government on Friday declared that the Strait of Hormuz is ‘completely open’ for all commercial ships for the remaining period of the ceasefire, marking a significant easing in maritime restrictions in one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The opening of the Strait of Hormuz is a major relief to all nations across the world. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced the key development in a post on X, saying, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire."

The key announcement comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Trump had earlier imposed a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, including all ports of Iran. The US Navy has already started the blockade.

Iran says Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open’; Trump thanks, says naval blockade to continue till deal

The US is planning anti-mine operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has closed the strategic waterway to most marine traffic since the US–Israel war started late February. Mine clearance is a tough task. Neither Iran nor the US can guarantee the full removal of these deadly explosives. Here is what you should know.<h2>How Iran lays mines in the Hormuz Strait</h2>According to reports, Iran has used small surface vessels to deploy mines along the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint after losing larger naval ships to US–Israel strikes. It is not known how many mines Iran may have laid, with some reports claiming it could be dozens.Iran has reportedly said it cannot locate or remove all of them.<h2>Leverage in war: Mines are part of a broader toolkit of Iran</h2>Iran has been using asymmetric warfare tactics in the ongoing conflict. This includes drones, anti-ship missiles, and fast attack boats. Mine-laying along the Strait of Hormuz is another strategy. Despite losses, Iran retains most of its small boats and mine-laying capacity, according to the Iran Guards or IRGC.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-peace-talks-report-iranian-offer-part-of-proposals-made-in-talks-with-us-1776315602509/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-peace-talks-report-iranian-offer-part-of-proposals-made-in-talks-with-us-1776315602509/embed</a><h2>What types of mines is Iran laying in the Strait of Hormuz?</h2>Iran is believed to have used two modern, sensor-triggered mines: Maham 3 and Maham 7.Maham 3 is an anchored mine, weighing around 300 kg. It operates at depths of up to 100 metres.Maham 7 is a mine that rests on the seabed, weighing around 220 kg. Designed for shallow waters, these cone-shaped mines can evade sonar detection, said a report in The Guardian.Both Maham 3 and Maham 7 use magnetic and acoustic sensors, not simple contact triggers.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/strait-of-hormuz-closed-or-open-iran-mocks-trump-will-block-the-us-blockade-1776313451185">Closed or not? Strait of Hormuz turns into a baffling puzzle amid varied blockade statements</a><h2>How is the US conducting mine-clearing?</h2>Clearing mines is much harder than laying them. US forces will be exposed to the risk of mines exploding or attacks by IRGC boats. Crewed minesweeper vessels are vulnerable in the narrow strait. Therefore, the preferred methods involve uncrewed systems.&nbsp;These include the submersible drone Knifefish and speedboat-like MCM unmanned surface vessels. They could also use airborne systems such as AN/ASQ-235 or Archerfish. Deployed from MH-60S helicopters, these systems use sonar-guided devices to destroy mines.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-and-axis-of-resistance-are-one-soul-iranian-parliament-speaker-ghalibaf-s-message-for-great-hezbollah-amid-israel-lebanon-talks-1776317061548">'Iran and Axis of Resistance are one soul': Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf's message for 'great Hezbollah' amid Israel-Lebanon talks</a><h2>Mine-sweeping is fraught with risks for the US</h2>Even with drones, US ships and aircraft must operate near the Strait of Hormuz, making them targets for missiles or drone swarms if fighting resumes.There have been reports that two US destroyers are likely preparing for mine-clearing operations. USS Frank E Petersen and USS Michael Murphy passed through the strait on 11 April.<h2>How mines have become strategically important for Iran</h2>Mines are cheap but strategically powerful, as even a small number of these hidden explosives can shut down major shipping lanes. Some mines can explode after several ships pass, increasing uncertainty and disruption. This gives Iran disproportionate leverage over global trade.<h2>Prohibiting strait passage and international law</h2>Iran claims parts of the strait as territorial waters, even though international law generally prohibits blocking straits used for innocent passage. However, neither Iran nor the US has signed the 1994 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.As peace talks continue, it is unclear whether Iran will provide the US with minefield maps.Iran’s use of advanced naval mines, combined with uncertainty about their number and location, has made the Strait of Hormuz highly dangerous. The US has the technology to clear them, but it will not be fast, as mine-sweeping is slow, risky, and potentially escalatory.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

US plans anti-mine operations in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran laid mines during the war. What mines are possibly lurking under the strait's waters? Who or what can remove them? What will be the impact of this mining operations on global shipping and security?

The US is planning anti-mine operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has closed the strategic waterway to most marine traffic since the US–Israel war started late February. Mine clearance is a tough task. Neither Iran nor the US can guarantee the full removal of these deadly explosives. Here is what you should know. How Iran lays mines in the Hormuz Strait According to reports, Iran has used small surface vessels to deploy mines along the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint after losing larger naval ships to US–Israel strikes. It is not known how many mines Iran may have laid, with some reports claiming it could be dozens. Iran has reportedly said it cannot locate or remove all of them. Leverage in war: Mines are part of a broader toolkit of Iran Iran has been using asymmetric warfare tactics in the ongoing conflict. This includes drones, anti-ship missiles, and fast attack boats. Mine-laying along the Strait of Hormuz is another strategy. Despite losses, Iran retains most of its small boats and mine-laying capacity, according to the Iran Guards or IRGC. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-peace-talks-report-iranian-offer-part-of-proposals-made-in-talks-with-us-1776315602509/embed What types of mines is Iran laying in the Strait of Hormuz? Iran is believed to have used two modern, sensor-triggered mines: Maham 3 and Maham 7. Maham 3 is an anchored mine, weighing around 300 kg. It operates at depths of up to 100 metres. Maham 7 is a mine that rests on the seabed, weighing around 220 kg. Designed for shallow waters, these cone-shaped mines can evade sonar detection, said a report in The Guardian. Both Maham 3 and Maham 7 use magnetic and acoustic sensors, not simple contact triggers. Also read: Closed or not? Strait of Hormuz turns into a baffling puzzle amid varied blockade statements How is the US conducting mine-clearing? Clearing mines is much harder than laying them. US forces will be exposed to the risk of mines exploding or attacks by IRGC boats. Crewed minesweeper vessels are vulnerable in the narrow strait. Therefore, the preferred methods involve uncrewed systems. These include the submersible drone Knifefish and speedboat-like MCM unmanned surface vessels. They could also use airborne systems such as AN/ASQ-235 or Archerfish. Deployed from MH-60S helicopters, these systems use sonar-guided devices to destroy mines. Also read: 'Iran and Axis of Resistance are one soul': Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf's message for 'great Hezbollah' amid Israel-Lebanon talks Mine-sweeping is fraught with risks for the US Even with drones, US ships and aircraft must operate near the Strait of Hormuz, making them targets for missiles or drone swarms if fighting resumes. There have been reports that two US destroyers are likely preparing for mine-clearing operations. USS Frank E Petersen and USS Michael Murphy passed through the strait on 11 April. How mines have become strategically important for Iran Mines are cheap but strategically powerful, as even a small number of these hidden explosives can shut down major shipping lanes. Some mines can explode after several ships pass, increasing uncertainty and disruption. This gives Iran disproportionate leverage over global trade. Prohibiting strait passage and international law Iran claims parts of the strait as territorial waters, even though international law generally prohibits blocking straits used for innocent passage. However, neither Iran nor the US has signed the 1994 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. As peace talks continue, it is unclear whether Iran will provide the US with minefield maps. Iran’s use of advanced naval mines, combined with uncertainty about their number and location, has made the Strait of Hormuz highly dangerous. The US has the technology to clear them, but it will not be fast, as mine-sweeping is slow, risky, and potentially escalatory. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US plans anti-mine operations in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran laid mines during the war. What mines are possibly lurking under the strait's waters? Who or what can remove them? What will be the impact of this mining operations on global shipping and security?

Iran war Strait of Hormuz mine field: What is lurking beneath the waters and how can it be removed?

As the Iran-US War enters its seventh week and the Strait of Hormuz blockade throttles 20% of global oil supplies, the Trump administration is quietly executing what insiders are calling 'The Trump Card' — a radical strategic pivot to Venezuela's colossal untapped oil reserves as a permanent bypass 

With the world's largest proven oil reserves sitting idle under US sanctions, a diplomatic thaw could fundamentally reshape global energy supply chains, ending the Middle East's decades-long stranglehold on the world's oil arteries and rendering the Strait of Hormuz geopolitically irrelevant.

'The Trump Card': Can Venezuela solve Strait of Hormuz dependency forever after Iran war?

On Monday, the US military further clarified the scope of the operation, stating that the blockade zone extends eastwards into the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

On Monday, the US military further clarified the scope of the operation, stating that the blockade zone extends eastwards into the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

US naval blockade of Iran: How many tankers passed through Strait of Hormuz on day one? This is what tracking data show

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Iran to skip second round of talks in Pakistan, blames excessive US demands and Hormuz blockade: State media

Iran 'reviewing' US proposal as Trump says 'Tehran cannot blackmail...'

Iran opens Strait of Hormuz; Trump says naval blockade to continue till deal

Iran war Strait of Hormuz mine field: What is lurking in the waters?

'The Trump Card': Can Venezuela solve Strait of Hormuz dependency forever

US naval blockade of Iran: How many tankers passed through Strait of Hormuz?