By Ginika Igboke
Iran cast fresh uncertainty over U.S.-backed peace efforts on April 20, saying it has not yet decided whether it will participate in a new round of negotiations in Pakistan, while Israeli officials warned that major gaps remain and preparations are underway for a potential return to conflict.
Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters in Tehran that no decision has been made attending upcoming talks with Washington.
“As of now, as I am speaking to you, we have no plan for the next round of negotiations,” he said. “No decision has been taken in this regard.”
U.S. Pushes Forward Despite Uncertainty
U.S. officials are expected to arrive in Pakistan to prepare for a second round of negotiations, following an initial round held in Islamabad. The talks come near the end of a two-week ceasefire that began on April 8.
Donald Trump said negotiators would proceed with the trip while warning Iran of severe consequences if no agreement is reached. He reiterated that the United States could target key infrastructure—including power plants and bridges—if diplomacy fails.
Trump also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by firing on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Iran Accuses U.S. of Undermining Diplomacy
Iranian officials have pushed back, accusing Washington of weakening the diplomatic process through continued military pressure.
Baghaei pointed to a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and an April 19 incident in which U.S. forces intercepted and disabled an Iranian cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, describing both actions as violations of the ceasefire.
Abbas Aragchi echoed those concerns in discussions with Pakistani officials, arguing that U.S. threats and military demonstrate a lack of genuine commitment to negotiations.
Iran has warned that any attacks on its infrastructure would be met with retaliatory strikes on U.S.-allied facilities in the region, raising the risk of broader escalation.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Flashpoint
Tensions continue to center on the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes, according to the International Energy Agency.
Iran has imposed restrictions in the area, while U.S. enforcement measures and naval presence have added to friction, making the waterway a focal point of the even during the ceasefire.
Regional Reactions Highlight Diverging Narratives
Iran maintains that its military actions during the recent 40-day conflict were defensive in nature. Baghaei said Tehran has “no enmity” with neighboring countries and framed missile and drone strikes as responses to U.S. and Israeli operations.
However, regional governments have offered sharply different accounts.
The United Arab Emirates reported being struck by more than 2,800 Iranian missiles and drones during the conflict, with officials saying over 90 percent of the targets were civilian infrastructure.
Reem Al Hashimy said Iran was attempting to undermine the country’s stability and called for sustained international pressure to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table.
Israel Warns of Stalling and Prepares for Escalation
In Jerusalem, officials expressed concern that uncertainty Iran’s participation may signal deliberate delays.
Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with senior advisers and is expected to convene a broader security meeting as the situation evolves.
Israeli security sources believe Iran may be attempting to prolong talks into early May, when continued U.S. military action could require congressional approval—potentially complicating Washington’s strategy.
Officials also cited intelligence suggesting that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is using the ceasefire period to recover and reposition ballistic missiles from damaged underground facilities.
Nuclear Dispute Remains Central
On the nuclear front, Israeli officials said the United States had indicated willingness to consider a deal that would limit Iran’s uranium enrichment for 20 years, but Tehran rejected the proposal.
Iran has also ruled out transferring its enriched uranium stockpile abroad, with officials describing the program as a matter of national sovereignty.
This stance directly conflicts with Washington’s objective of reducing or neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities as part of any agreement.
Ceasefire Nears Expiration
The current ceasefire is set to expire around April 22, with both sides signaling readiness to escalate if negotiations fail.
With diplomacy uncertain, military preparations ongoing, and deep divisions unresolved, the coming days are likely to determine whether the region moves toward de-escalation or a renewed phase of conflict.
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