US-Iran War Live Updates: Trump Talks, Iran Undecided on New Round of Talks

A high-level American delegation travels to Pakistan for a second round of talks with Iran, amid Iranian trepidation about participation and ongoing conditions tied to sanctions relief, asset unfreezing, and regional tensions in the Hormuz Strait.

Iran has not confirmed that its team will return to Pakistan for the talks, signaling that Tehran will demand concessions such as lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, and a permanent end to war, in addition to conditions related to the Hormuz Strait blockade.

Analysts note growing backlash in MAGA circles over rising gas prices and the perceived risk of another distant foreign quagmire, with some critics arguing that the administration’s approach risks undermining its own bargaining position.

There is confusion in Washington over the composition of the U.S. delegation to Pakistan for talks with Iran. Trump had initially said Vice President JD Vance would not lead the delegation, but the White House later indicated Vance would participate alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan's military ruler General Asim Munir conducted a three-day visit to Tehran, as reported by the article referencing his earlier diplomacy with Iran.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized U.S. policy, arguing that the United States singles out Iranians as terrorists and questions the applicability of international laws, while accusing the U.N. and human rights organizations of inaction.

The Wall Street Journal cites senior administration officials describing President Trump’s approach as an attempt to appear unstable and insulting to push Iran toward negotiations, while noting privately that some officials saw the rhetoric as potentially conducive to talks.

President Donald Trump posted on Easter with aggressive threats toward Iran, saying the United States will destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran if a deal is not reached, and calling for action to end the 'Iran killing machine'. He urged Tehran to open the Hormuz Strait and warned of consequences for non-cooperation.

The article notes seven weeks of internet blackout in Iran and highlights the Strait of Hormuz as central to one-fifth of the world's oil shipments, underscoring ongoing global tensions and economic risks.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the 10-day truce cannot be one-sided and that resistance fighters would respond to violations; he stated that there is no ceasefire from the resistance side and criticized US dictation of terms.

Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf said it is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while the US blockade of Iranian ports continues, while reaffirming Iran’s pursuit of peace.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told the Associated Press that Iran would not ship enriched uranium to the United States, calling such a move a non-starter and saying Iran is prepared to address concerns but will not accept nonstarter demands.

Tasnim news agency reported the arrest of four individuals in Iran's northwest, including two foreign nationals, for involvement in a 'US-Israel-linked espionage network.' The foreigners’ nationalities were not disclosed; they were accused of importing satellite internet equipment such as Starlink amid Iran's internet blackout.

A White House official said Vice President JD Vance would lead the US delegation for talks with Iran in Pakistan, with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also slated to attend.

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said recent talks with the US had made progress but gaps remained on nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, noting that fundamental issues were still unresolved and distrust of the United States persisted.

IRNA reported Iran had yet to decide whether to participate in a new round of talks with the United States. Fars and Tasnim quoted anonymous sources saying the overall atmosphere could not be described as very positive, with some sources suggesting that lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports might be a precondition for talks.

Israel’s military said a soldier died during combat in southern Lebanon, with fighting continuing despite the 10-day ceasefire. This marked the second Israeli casualty announced since the truce began on Friday, April 17.

Two Indian-flagged tankers were fired upon by Iranian gunboats and turned back in the Strait of Hormuz; no injuries or damage reported. A distress message from the crude tanker Sanmar Herald emerged, with a crew member pleading to turn back as the situation unfolded.

In remarks reported Friday, President Donald Trump said there would be 'very good conversations' and that the US would work with Tehran to recover Iran’s enriched uranium to bring back to the United States. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told the Associated Press that no enriched material would be shipped to the United States, calling the idea a non-starter and saying Iran would not accept positions deemed nonstarters.