Day: April 21, 2026

Vice President JD Vance reached the White House on Tuesday afternoon for meetings, while his intentions to travel to Pakistan for Iran peace discussions are still uncertain.

Sources informed Xenix News that the vice president was anticipated to leave for Islamabad in the morning, but currently, his plans are postponed as officials convene to deliberate on the next steps.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reached the White House just after the vice president. Xenix News cameras recorded Secretary of State Marco Rubio arriving at the White House’s West Wing entrance nearly 50 minutes before Vance showed up.

The US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has added to the ongoing ambiguity regarding a second round of discussions between Iranian and American negotiators, as per officials knowledgeable about the situation.

Iran had first communicated privately to the US its willingness to send a negotiation team to Islamabad to restart discussions, and indicated they anticipated Vice President JD Vance to once again head the American delegation, the officials stated.

If Vance was present, Iran indicated it would dispatch Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who headed the previous round of discussions.

However, since that time, Iran has indicated that the U.S. embargo on Iranian ports must be abolished before any further direct talks, officials stated.

This is one of the reasons for a noticeable delay in the negotiations. White House officials stated that none of the American delegation, which includes Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, have left the United States.

During a Tuesday morning interview, Trump appeared hesitant to reopen the waterway without an agreement.

“We won’t open the strait until a final agreement is in place,” he stated on Xenix News . He stated that Iran replied by asserting: “No, no, we wish to keep this strait open.”

“I told them, ‘We’re not opening,’” Trump stated

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, states that Tehran’s reluctance to engage in talks in Pakistan stems not from uncertainty, but rather from what he termed as contradictory signals and actions from the United States.

Baqaei stated, as reported by Iranian official media, “The issue isn’t indecision; it’s due to conflicting messages, inconsistent actions, and intolerable conduct from the American side.”

Baghaei stated that Iran would determine its participation in discussions “once they start yielding results.”

He likewise denounced US strikes on Iranian vessels, labeling them “a blatant breach of international law,” as well as “state-sponsored terrorism and maritime piracy.”

Earlier today, Baghaei stated that the US is “shifting blame while breaching the ceasefire and not fulfilling essential commitments, such as the Lebanon truce.”

Pakistan is still awaiting official confirmation from Iran regarding its participation in peace talks with the US this week, stated Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar earlier today

European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas addresses the press upon her arrival for a gathering of EU foreign ministers at the European Council offices in Luxembourg on Tuesday. Virginia Mayo/AP

European foreign ministers have consented to broaden sanctions on Iran due to Tehran’s limitations on shipping within the Strait of Hormuz.

“The EU has extensive sanctions imposed on Iran, but today we have also achieved a political consensus to expand our sanctions framework to include those accountable for violations of freedom of navigation,” stated European Union foreign policy leader Kaja Kallas.

During their gathering in Luxembourg, the ministers emphasized that navigation freedom is “non-negotiable,” as stated by Kallas.

“Daily U-turns, regardless of the Strait of Hormuz being open or closed, are irresponsible.” “Transit through the strait should be cost-free,” stated the EU official.

Since the beginning of the war, Iran has effectively stopped traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as ships proceed cautiously due to the unstable US-Iran ceasefire. Last month, Iranian officials announced they would keep imposing fees for the safe transit of certain tankers through the strait, following a Lloyd’s List Intelligence report on March 23 that stated at least two ships had paid substantial amounts to pass.

Security staff maintain a watch at a checkpoint close to the Serena Hotel, where the initial round of US-Iran talks took place, on Tuesday. Asif Hassan/AFP/Getty Images

Iran has yet to confirm its participation in the peace talks in Pakistan this week, according to Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who stated in a recent post on X that his country has made “genuine efforts to persuade” Iran to join the discussions.

Tarar mentioned that a “formal reply from Iran regarding the confirmation of a delegation to participate in the Islamabad Peace Talks is still pending,” noting that his nation remains in “constant communication with the Iranians and is committed to diplomacy and dialogue.”

The minister announced that the existing ceasefire between Tehran and Washington concludes at 4:50 a.m. Pakistan time on Wednesday (7:50 p.m. ET today). US President Donald Trump stated yesterday that the ceasefire ends on “Wednesday evening Washington time.”

“Tarar stated that Iran’s decision to join the discussions before the two-week ceasefire concludes is crucial.”

“Pakistan has made earnest attempts to persuade the Iranian leadership to join the second round of discussions and these attempts are ongoing,” he stated.

Earlier today, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar encouraged both the US and Iran to “think about prolonging the ceasefire” and “to allow dialogue and diplomacy an opportunity,” as stated by the ministry spokesperson’s office.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated yesterday that there are “no plans for the next round of negotiations” currently, even though Iranian sources had earlier informed Xenix News that a delegation from Tehran would be heading to Pakistan for discussions.

US Vice President JD Vance is anticipated to visit Pakistan today with senior US officials to engage in the newest series of discussions, sources familiar with the arrangements informed Xenix News, although he remains in Washington, DC, and it is uncertain when he will leave.

Vessels and watercraft in the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Musandam, Oman, on Monday. Reuters

Tehran and Washington appear ready for another set of discussions to resolve the conflict initiated by the US-Israeli attack. However, several of the most contentious issues remain unsettled, including the situation of the congested Strait of Hormuz.

Thousands of sailors continue to be stranded in the crucial waterway, typically a channel for about one-fifth of the globe’s oil and gas resources. Since late February, the movement of oil through the channel has diminished to a slow trickle, primarily consisting of Iranian barrels, as reported by consultancy Rystad Energy.

Tehran is resolved to maintain partial control of the strait, an international maritime route that Iranian officials have effectively blockaded since the war began, driving up energy prices globally.

Numerous analysts currently view a possibly permanent tolling system for vessels navigating the waterway, though with significant caveats. It remains uncertain if the US would consent to such a scenario, which might grant Iran significant power over the global economy.

Currently, shipping passages through the strait are still restricted, having dropped from more than 100 transits daily prior to the onset of the conflict. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence on Monday, thirty-six ships transited from Friday to Sunday, with Saturday recording the “largest number” since early March. It noted that the vessels comprised four passenger ships.

Since April 13, when the US enacted the blockade, at least 27 Iranian ships have crossed the channel, shipping analytics company Kpler reported to Xenix News on Tuesday. During that period, CENTCOM has ordered numerous ships to alter their routes.

One data provider stated that shipping through the strait “continues to be highly limited.”

“According to CRU Group, which monitors commodity prices and supply, this disruption is expected to persist at least until the end of May, maintaining volatility in energy markets and high prices,” the company stated on Tuesday.

The company emphasized that “not reaching an agreement to reopen traffic through Hormuz would significantly impact the global economy.”

Xenix News reporting contributed by Eleni Giokos.

President Donald Trump in the White House’s Oval Office on Saturday. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that an intercepted vessel contained “a present from China.” It was unclear which vessel the president meant, and the White House did not promptly offer more details.

We intercepted a vessel yesterday carrying certain items, which were not very pleasant,” he mentioned on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “Maybe it’s a present from China, I’m not sure.” However, I was somewhat taken aback, yet I believe I have a strong rapport and understanding with (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping).

Xenix News reported last week that US intelligence suggested China was set to send new air defense systems to Iran in the coming weeks.

Trump has previously stated that Beijing would encounter repercussions if it provided weapons to Tehran. “If China proceeds with that, it will face significant issues, understood?” he stated last week.

On Tuesday, he seemed to dismiss the possible Chinese backing for Iran.

“It’s fine,” he replied. “That’s how it is in war, isn’t it?”

Trump is set to travel to Beijing next month.

We just provided coverage of an interview that US President Donald Trump had recently.

In a telephone interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Trump discussed various subjects, including the conflict with Iran and the two-week truce that is due to end tomorrow.

If you’re coming in now, find out what was discussed in the interview below:

Trump stated he anticipates continuing bombings in Iran if the US and Iran fail to finalize a deal to prolong the ceasefire by tomorrow evening’s deadline, declaring that the US military is “ready to act.”

He also showed minimal interest in prolonging the ceasefire, stating that “they (Iran) need to negotiate.”

Trump once more condemned Tehran for its handling of protesters in the nation earlier this year, stating “we’re not interacting with the kindest group of individuals.”

Trump stated that public criticism regarding the war with Iran jeopardizes negotiations, referencing critiques from Democrats and specifically highlighting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Xenix News reporting includes contributions from Betsy Klein, Kit Maher, Aileen Graef, and Kaanita Iyer.

President Donald Trump recently stated that public criticism of the conflict with Iran negatively impacts negotiations.

“They ought not to say that while we are in the middle of a negotiation because it does affect us to some extent,” Trump stated to CNBC in a phone interview, mentioning critiques from Democrats, specifically targeting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “It provides the opposing side with a glimmer of hope, and I don’t wish for them to have that.”

Trump’s remarks arise as Vice President JD Vance and senior negotiators are anticipated to depart for Pakistan today in advance of a possible second round of discussions with Iran, as per sources.

President Donald Trump addresses reporters at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 16. Jessica Koscielniak/Reuters

President Donald Trump showed minimal interest Tuesday in prolonging the US ceasefire with Iran beyond its new cutoff of tomorrow evening.

I’m not interested in doing that,” Trump stated on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “We don’t have much time since, by the time both sides arrive, as you know, they just received approval to proceed – which I was certain they would do regardless – I believe they had no alternative.” “They need to reach an agreement.”

When inquired about the effects of his threat to bomb bridges and power facilities in Iran, Trump stressed that it would damage the Iranians’ military capabilities.

“It’s not my decision, but it will also cause them pain.” It will damage them in terms of military strength. “They utilize the bridges for their armaments, for their missile relocations,” Trump stated. He noted that both parties have utilized the ceasefire to “replenish their supplies.”

Trump stated that Iran has a strong motive to negotiate with the United States, describing the citizens as “incredible,” while labeling the leaders as “bloodthirsty” and “harsh.”

“Trump stated that if Iran reaches an agreement, they will restore themselves as a strong and wonderful nation.”