US-Iran War Live Updates: US Delegation To Visit Islamabad On Monday For Iran Talks, Trump Announces

Trump announced that a US delegation would visit Islamabad on Monday (April 20) to hold talks on Iran.

An Iranian official stated that Iran is not ready for a new round of face-to-face talks until the United States abandons maximalist demands, and that Iran seeks a substantive framework before any in-person discussions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Trump has no justification to deprive Tehran of its nuclear rights, questioning the basis for any such claim.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no enriched material would be shipped to the United States and noted that there have been many exchanges of messages, but the US has not abandoned maximalist demands; Iran seeks a framework before moving to in-person talks.

Semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported the arrest of four individuals, including two foreign nationals, accused of being part of a US-Israel-linked espionage network; they were detained for allegedly importing satellite internet equipment such as Starlink amid Iran’s internet blackout.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the US military was preparing to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize ships in international waters in coming days to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

A distress message from the Sanmar Herald emerged, capturing the moment of confusion during the firing and the crew’s request to turn back.

Following the tanker incident in the Strait of Hormuz, India summoned the Iranian ambassador to convey deep concern over the fire near Indian-flagged vessels.

Israel’s military reported the death of a soldier in combat in southern Lebanon as fighting continued despite a 10-day truce that began on Friday.

President Trump said there were very good conversations with Iran but warned Tehran against attempting to ‘blackmail’ the United States, criticizing moves related to the Strait of Hormuz.

The Indian-flagged tankers Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald were fired upon by Iranian gunboats northeast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz and turned back. No injuries or damages were reported. A distress audio from the Sanmar Herald later emerged.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said that a ceasefire means a complete cessation of hostilities and that the resistance would respond to violations if America dictates terms; he asserted there is no unilateral ceasefire by the resistance.

Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who also serves as Iran’s chief negotiator, said it is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while Iran cannot, criticizing the US blockade as naive and stating Iran remains committed to peace despite distrust.

On Friday, President Donald Trump said Washington would work with Tehran to recover Iran’s enriched uranium. Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told the Associated Press that no enriched material would be shipped to the United States, calling this position non-starter for Iran.