There is a lot of speculation regarding the second round of US-Iran talks to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan. Iran has been reiterating that it has not committed to the talks, while US says the talks will happen and Vice President JD Vance is to leave for Pakistan. Notably, the two-week ceasefire between the two countries is ending on Wednesday (April 22).&nbsp;However, there are reports of US and Iran saying they will return to Pakistan for ceasefire talks. According to Associated Press that cites regional officials, Pakistan-led mediators received confirmation that the top negotiators will arrive in Islamabad early Wednesday.<h2>“Lots of bombs start going off”</h2>&nbsp;Amid reports of Iran saying that 'no decision' has been taken to join new talks, Donald Trump on Monday threatened Iran with military consequences, saying “lots of bombs [will] start going off” if no deal is reached before ceasefire ends Wednesday evening. The latest warning was made by Trump in a phone call with a PBS News reporter.&nbsp;When asked by the reporter what will happen if the ceasefire ends without any conclusion, Trump said "Then lots of bombs start going off."&nbsp;One being asked whether Iran will be participating in the talks to end the war in Pakistan, Trump replied by saying "I don't know. I mean, they're supposed to be there. We agreed to be there, although they say we didn't. But no, it was set up. And we'll see whether or not it's there. If they're not there, that's fine too."&nbsp;Trump again reiterated in the interview that "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Very simple."&nbsp;"We're not negotiating anything other than the fact that they will not have a nuclear weapon. And that's pretty basic when you get right down to it. So you know, that's it. I sent an A-team. I sent my A-Team, he's done an excellent job. He doesn't participate with Saudi now, as you know. He's taken… He doesn't do that. He has a business but he doesn't participate now," he said.

The two-week ceasefire between the two countries US and Iran is ending on Wednesday (April 22) but the second round of talks in Islamabad is yet to be confirmed.

There is a lot of speculation regarding the second round of US-Iran talks to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan. Iran has been reiterating that it has not committed to the talks, while US says the talks will happen and Vice President JD Vance is to leave for Pakistan. Notably, the two-week ceasefire between the two countries is ending on Wednesday (April 22). However, there are reports of US and Iran saying they will return to Pakistan for ceasefire talks. According to Associated Press that cites regional officials, Pakistan-led mediators received confirmation that the top negotiators will arrive in Islamabad early Wednesday. “Lots of bombs start going off” Amid reports of Iran saying that 'no decision' has been taken to join new talks, Donald Trump on Monday threatened Iran with military consequences, saying “lots of bombs [will] start going off” if no deal is reached before ceasefire ends Wednesday evening. The latest warning was made by Trump in a phone call with a PBS News reporter. When asked by the reporter what will happen if the ceasefire ends without any conclusion, Trump said "Then lots of bombs start going off." One being asked whether Iran will be participating in the talks to end the war in Pakistan, Trump replied by saying "I don't know. I mean, they're supposed to be there. We agreed to be there, although they say we didn't. But no, it was set up. And we'll see whether or not it's there. If they're not there, that's fine too." Trump again reiterated in the interview that "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Very simple." "We're not negotiating anything other than the fact that they will not have a nuclear weapon. And that's pretty basic when you get right down to it. So you know, that's it. I sent an A-team. I sent my A-Team, he's done an excellent job. He doesn't participate with Saudi now, as you know. He's taken… He doesn't do that. He has a business but he doesn't participate now," he said.

&nbsp;The two-week ceasefire between the two countries US and Iran is ending on Wednesday (April 22) but the second round of talks in Islamabad is yet to be confirmed.

US, Iran signal return to ceasefire talks, negotiators to arrive in Islamabad: Report

Negotiators from the United States led by Vice President JD Vance are expected to land in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, for second round of talks with Iran as the two-week ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday. But the confirmation of Iran is still in doubt. On Monday Tehran said it has "no plans for the next round" of peace talks as the US sends a delegation to Pakistan.&nbsp;A statement has been released by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who spoke about "deep historical mistrust in Iran toward US gov&nbsp;"Honoring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue. Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward U.S. gov conduct remains, while unconstructive &amp; contradictory signals from American officials carry a bitter message; they seek Iran's surrender. Iranians do not submit to force," said Pezeshkian in a post on X.&nbsp;"Adherence to commitments is the logic that justifies any kind of dialogue. In addition to the deep historical distrust in Iran toward the background of the U.S. government's behavior and performance, the non-constructive and contradictory approach of U.S. officials in recent days carries a bitter message: they seek Iran's surrender. The people of Iran will not bow to coercion," said the Iranian president further.&nbsp;Iranian military commander Seyed Majid Moosavi also said "Iran does not trust negotiations with you. "He also warned US that any "threat against Iran will be met with a firm and decisive slap in response."&nbsp;"Islamic Iran has left behind the era of weakness and submission. Wherever you may be, whenever we choose, we will respond with strength," he further added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A statement released by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke about “deep historical mistrust in Iran toward US government.”

Negotiators from the United States led by Vice President JD Vance are expected to land in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, for second round of talks with Iran as the two-week ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday. But the confirmation of Iran is still in doubt. On Monday Tehran said it has "no plans for the next round" of peace talks as the US sends a delegation to Pakistan. A statement has been released by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who spoke about "deep historical mistrust in Iran toward US gov "Honoring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue. Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward U.S. gov conduct remains, while unconstructive & contradictory signals from American officials carry a bitter message; they seek Iran's surrender. Iranians do not submit to force," said Pezeshkian in a post on X. "Adherence to commitments is the logic that justifies any kind of dialogue. In addition to the deep historical distrust in Iran toward the background of the U.S. government's behavior and performance, the non-constructive and contradictory approach of U.S. officials in recent days carries a bitter message: they seek Iran's surrender. The people of Iran will not bow to coercion," said the Iranian president further. Iranian military commander Seyed Majid Moosavi also said "Iran does not trust negotiations with you. "He also warned US that any "threat against Iran will be met with a firm and decisive slap in response." "Islamic Iran has left behind the era of weakness and submission. Wherever you may be, whenever we choose, we will respond with strength," he further added.

A statement released by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke about “deep historical mistrust in Iran toward US government.”

'Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward US government', says Iranian president ahead of talks

Following a two-week ceasefire agreement with the US, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Wednesday the crucial waterway of the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman "is open." However he said &nbsp;civilian vessels must seek guidance from the Iranian authorities to "securely pass the strait" despite the strait being open.&nbsp;Speaking to UK's ITV news Khatibzadeh said “Each tanker and vessel should make necessary arrangements with Iranian authorities to securely pass."&nbsp;There are “technical restraints” resulting from the conflict, such as mines, that require caution, he added.&nbsp;Some Iranian media had also published a chart Thursday suggesting the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard put sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz during the war.&nbsp;Notably, the Strait of Hormuz again closed on Wednesday by Iran after Israel struck Hezbollah in Lebanon killing 254 people and wounding over 100.<h2>Iran to allow limited passage of vessels</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran has decided to only allow 15 vessels per day to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian source told the Russian news agency TASS ahead of talks in Islamabad.&nbsp;"Under the current ceasefire, fewer than 15 ships per day are permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This movement is strictly contingent upon Iran's approval and the enforcement of a specific protocol. This new regulatory framework, operating under the supervision of the IRGC, has been officially communicated to regional parties. There will be no return to the pre-war status quo," the source said.&nbsp;The source further said that the end of war if reached should be "codified into a UN Security Council resolution".&nbsp;"If the termination of the war is not codified into a UN Security Council resolution based on our stipulated terms, we are fully prepared to resume combat against the US and the Zionist regime (referring to Israel - TASS) —just as we have over the past 40 days, and with even greater intensity," the source added.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the 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.

Some Iranian media had also published a chart Thursday suggesting the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard put sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz during the war.

Following a two-week ceasefire agreement with the US, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Wednesday the crucial waterway of the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman "is open." However he said civilian vessels must seek guidance from the Iranian authorities to "securely pass the strait" despite the strait being open. Speaking to UK's ITV news Khatibzadeh said “Each tanker and vessel should make necessary arrangements with Iranian authorities to securely pass." There are “technical restraints” resulting from the conflict, such as mines, that require caution, he added. Some Iranian media had also published a chart Thursday suggesting the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard put sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz during the war. Notably, the Strait of Hormuz again closed on Wednesday by Iran after Israel struck Hezbollah in Lebanon killing 254 people and wounding over 100. Iran to allow limited passage of vessels Meanwhile, Iran has decided to only allow 15 vessels per day to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian source told the Russian news agency TASS ahead of talks in Islamabad. "Under the current ceasefire, fewer than 15 ships per day are permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This movement is strictly contingent upon Iran's approval and the enforcement of a specific protocol. This new regulatory framework, operating under the supervision of the IRGC, has been officially communicated to regional parties. There will be no return to the pre-war status quo," the source said. The source further said that the end of war if reached should be "codified into a UN Security Council resolution". "If the termination of the war is not codified into a UN Security Council resolution based on our stipulated terms, we are fully prepared to resume combat against the US and the Zionist regime (referring to Israel - TASS) —just as we have over the past 40 days, and with even greater intensity," the source added. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the 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.

Some Iranian media had also published a chart Thursday suggesting the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard put sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz during the war.

Iran confirms Strait of Hormuz is 'open', to allow passage of only 15 ships

Following the 14-day fragile cease-fire agreement, the US is urgently pressuring its European allies for specific plans and commitments to open the Strait of Hormuz. According to a senior NATO official, the US wants its allies to move beyond rhetoric, act on its pledge and present concrete, actionable strategies to ensure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The request was reportedly presented during a discussion between US President Donald Trump, the Pentagon, the State Department and NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House.Despite the negotiations of a ceasefire, the Strait remains closed, with Iran signalling it requires coordination with its armed forces for safe passage through the Strait. A UK-led coalition of more than 40 countries, including European Nations, Japan and Canada, has pledged to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Though a ceasefire has been agreed, Israel and Iran continue to bomb each other, turning the situation into an everlasting conflict, rather than a pause.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-ceasefire-pakistan-china-role-backchannel-diplomacy-1775717607452">US pushed Pakistan for ceasefire with Iran, China played a key role</a>“NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN”, Trump wrote after meeting NATO chief Mark Rutte. The alliance is facing a desperate strain in the wake of the US war in Iran. NATO has delayed taking any substantial step towards opening the Strait, and at times has ignored the US concerns. Some of the members have refused to allow the use of their military bases, while some have openly opposed it. In such a situation US is pushing the NATO members to present a concrete plan to open the Strait. It is yet to be seen if the NATO members will take the situation seriously, as asserted by Trump.&nbsp;Tehran has asserted that until the war between Hezbollah and Israel has ceased, it will continue its operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that Israel will keep targeting Hezbollah “wherever necessary”. Iran's Speaker of Parliament MB Ghalibaf, in an official statement, said that there is a deep “historical distrust” towards the US due to the repeated violation of the commitments made by the US. It had accused the US of violating the three key clauses in the framework: one refusal to end the conflict in Lebanon, two enemy drones entering Iranian airspace, and three refusals to acknowledge Iran's right to enrichment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US is pressuring NATO allies to present concrete plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid a fragile Iran ceasefire and ongoing Israel-Hezbollah tensions.

Following the 14-day fragile cease-fire agreement, the US is urgently pressuring its European allies for specific plans and commitments to open the Strait of Hormuz. According to a senior NATO official, the US wants its allies to move beyond rhetoric, act on its pledge and present concrete, actionable strategies to ensure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The request was reportedly presented during a discussion between US President Donald Trump, the Pentagon, the State Department and NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House. Despite the negotiations of a ceasefire, the Strait remains closed, with Iran signalling it requires coordination with its armed forces for safe passage through the Strait. A UK-led coalition of more than 40 countries, including European Nations, Japan and Canada, has pledged to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Though a ceasefire has been agreed, Israel and Iran continue to bomb each other, turning the situation into an everlasting conflict, rather than a pause. Also Read: US pushed Pakistan for ceasefire with Iran, China played a key role “NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN”, Trump wrote after meeting NATO chief Mark Rutte. The alliance is facing a desperate strain in the wake of the US war in Iran. NATO has delayed taking any substantial step towards opening the Strait, and at times has ignored the US concerns. Some of the members have refused to allow the use of their military bases, while some have openly opposed it. In such a situation US is pushing the NATO members to present a concrete plan to open the Strait. It is yet to be seen if the NATO members will take the situation seriously, as asserted by Trump. Tehran has asserted that until the war between Hezbollah and Israel has ceased, it will continue its operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that Israel will keep targeting Hezbollah “wherever necessary”. Iran's Speaker of Parliament MB Ghalibaf, in an official statement, said that there is a deep “historical distrust” towards the US due to the repeated violation of the commitments made by the US. It had accused the US of violating the three key clauses in the framework: one refusal to end the conflict in Lebanon, two enemy drones entering Iranian airspace, and three refusals to acknowledge Iran's right to enrichment.

The US is pressuring NATO allies to present concrete plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid a fragile Iran ceasefire and ongoing Israel-Hezbollah tensions.

Donald Trump urges NATO to act on Strait of Hormuz as ceasefire struggles hold

The US was desperate for a ceasefire after being concerned with the rising oil prices as well as with the surprising resilience of Iran in the face of aggression from two nuclear-armed states US and Israel. According to a Financial Times report, which quotes five anonymous “people familiar with” the diplomatic back channel. “The White House pushed the idea of a temporary ceasefire with Iran even as Donald Trump escalated threats against the Islamic Republic and claimed it was “begging” for a deal”. The report claims that the push for a negotiation with Iran began as early as March 21, after Trump's first threat to “obliterate” Iran's power plants.&nbsp;<h2>Pakistan and China's role in the US-Iran ceasefire</h2>The diplomatic back channel via Pakistan Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior officials was activated and began passing around messages between US military officials and Iranian political figures shortly after Trump's first ultimatum. Pakistan is the only nuclear-powered Muslim majority country and has a huge Shia population as well as a defence pact with Saudi Arabia. “Pakistan's crucial role, as a Muslim-majority neighbour and intermediary, was to sell it to Tehran,” the report said.They passed around the 15-point proposal from the US and Iran's response to the 5-point and 10-point draft proposals. They proposed Islamabad as a place for negotiations and suggested ceasefire options ranging from 45 days to two weeks. The two sides had contradictory positions and remained poles apart on demands, but gradually, after weeks of bombardment, Iran hinted at an agreement towards limitation on its enrichment uranium stockpile and a ceasefire for the Hormuz deal.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-hosts-us-iran-negotiations-ceasefire-hormuz-1775644746017">Pakistan to host US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad after ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz reopening</a>Even after that, Pakistan had reservations with Iran's proposed 10-point proposal, specifically about Iran having control of the Hormuz and maintaining a toll. According to the report, which quotes one person familiar with the channel, China helped resolve the issue by announcing a five-point plan with Pakistan, which reportedly put further pressure on Iran. &nbsp;Trump, when asked about China's role in coercing Tehran to a deal, said, “I hear, yes.” However Bejing did not publicly mention pressuring Iran to a cease-fire.<h2>IRGC was against the US-Iran ceasefire</h2>However, all these seemed futile as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Force, a major military and political force within Iran, seemed unmoved by the approaches, specifically due to the sour history of negotiations between the US and Iran. Sections of the IRGC did not give assent to returning to talks with the US and loosening control over the Strait of Hormuz. However, following an attack on the Saudi petrochemical hub of Jubail on Tuesday, April 7, Pakistan warned that it has a defence pact with Saudi Arabia, and these attacks were a “last-ditch move to derail talks”, said one Pakistani official to FT. They warned Iran that it would be isolated in the region if attacks continued.&nbsp;<h2>The fragile ceasefire</h2>The US-Iran ceasefire meant to halt the fight on all fronts, but Israel declared it does not apply to the war with Lebanon. Hezbollah and Iran both remain hand-in-hand to target infrastructure in the region. &nbsp;But Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth backtracked on that at first, and soon Trump also concurred that the Israel-Lebanon war is not included in the potential deal. This further agitated the IRGC, which threatened to withdraw from the deal. However, in a call with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday afternoon, Masoud Pezeshkian said that they will send representatives to Islamabad. Pakistani officials also hoped that Vance and Witkoff, along with Araghchi will be present in Islamabad for the talks.&nbsp;

A Financial Times report reveals how the US pushed for a ceasefire with Iran, with Pakistan and China playing key roles after being concerned with rising oil prices. 

The US was desperate for a ceasefire after being concerned with the rising oil prices as well as with the surprising resilience of Iran in the face of aggression from two nuclear-armed states US and Israel. According to a Financial Times report, which quotes five anonymous “people familiar with” the diplomatic back channel. “The White House pushed the idea of a temporary ceasefire with Iran even as Donald Trump escalated threats against the Islamic Republic and claimed it was “begging” for a deal”. The report claims that the push for a negotiation with Iran began as early as March 21, after Trump's first threat to “obliterate” Iran's power plants. Pakistan and China's role in the US-Iran ceasefire The diplomatic back channel via Pakistan Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior officials was activated and began passing around messages between US military officials and Iranian political figures shortly after Trump's first ultimatum. Pakistan is the only nuclear-powered Muslim majority country and has a huge Shia population as well as a defence pact with Saudi Arabia. “Pakistan's crucial role, as a Muslim-majority neighbour and intermediary, was to sell it to Tehran,” the report said. They passed around the 15-point proposal from the US and Iran's response to the 5-point and 10-point draft proposals. They proposed Islamabad as a place for negotiations and suggested ceasefire options ranging from 45 days to two weeks. The two sides had contradictory positions and remained poles apart on demands, but gradually, after weeks of bombardment, Iran hinted at an agreement towards limitation on its enrichment uranium stockpile and a ceasefire for the Hormuz deal. Also Read: Pakistan to host US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad after ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz reopening Even after that, Pakistan had reservations with Iran's proposed 10-point proposal, specifically about Iran having control of the Hormuz and maintaining a toll. According to the report, which quotes one person familiar with the channel, China helped resolve the issue by announcing a five-point plan with Pakistan, which reportedly put further pressure on Iran. Trump, when asked about China's role in coercing Tehran to a deal, said, “I hear, yes.” However Bejing did not publicly mention pressuring Iran to a cease-fire. IRGC was against the US-Iran ceasefire However, all these seemed futile as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Force, a major military and political force within Iran, seemed unmoved by the approaches, specifically due to the sour history of negotiations between the US and Iran. Sections of the IRGC did not give assent to returning to talks with the US and loosening control over the Strait of Hormuz. However, following an attack on the Saudi petrochemical hub of Jubail on Tuesday, April 7, Pakistan warned that it has a defence pact with Saudi Arabia, and these attacks were a “last-ditch move to derail talks”, said one Pakistani official to FT. They warned Iran that it would be isolated in the region if attacks continued. The fragile ceasefire The US-Iran ceasefire meant to halt the fight on all fronts, but Israel declared it does not apply to the war with Lebanon. Hezbollah and Iran both remain hand-in-hand to target infrastructure in the region. But Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth backtracked on that at first, and soon Trump also concurred that the Israel-Lebanon war is not included in the potential deal. This further agitated the IRGC, which threatened to withdraw from the deal. However, in a call with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday afternoon, Masoud Pezeshkian said that they will send representatives to Islamabad. Pakistani officials also hoped that Vance and Witkoff, along with Araghchi will be present in Islamabad for the talks.

A Financial Times report reveals how the US pushed for a ceasefire with Iran, with Pakistan and China playing key roles after being concerned with rising oil prices.&nbsp;

US pushed Pakistan for ceasefire with Iran, China played a key role