Iran ‘dying to make a deal’, US war costs soar: here’s what happened overnight

US-Iran talks have stalled after a fragile ceasefire, with efforts to translate it into a permanent agreement failing to materialize. The negotiations, held in Islamabad, Pakistan, were cancelled by US President Donald Trump after he scrapped a visit by his envoys due to concerns over the cost and adequacy of an Iranian offer. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the US for the failure, citing excessive demands from Washington. However, experts say the impasse reflects a slowdown in negotiations rather than a collapse, with diplomacy often marked by deadlocks and setbacks. Trump has offered Iran the opportunity to negotiate via telephone or in-person talks, emphasizing that a nuclear weapon is non-negotiable. The talks' current status remains uncertain, leaving questions about what could come next.

Oil prices surged to their highest point since 2022 on Thursday in Asian trading following a report that President Trump is to be briefed on new US military options regarding Iran. The US Central Command has reportedly developed plans for swift strikes on Iran, potentially targeting infrastructure, to break negotiation impasses. Another proposed strategy involves securing part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen commercial shipping, which could necessitate ground troops. Brent crude rose nearly 7% to over $126 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 2.3% to around $109 per barrel. These price increases coincide with stalled peace talks and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A Korean-American leader, Kim Dong-seok, suggests that President Trump's foreign policy, particularly concerning North Korea, is driven by a "destroy-and-deal" strategy influenced by "new neocons." This approach, he argues, prioritizes drone warfare to force negotiations without risking American lives, and is financially beneficial to the Trump family through drone industry investments. Kim asserts that South Korea should analyze these calculated strategies rather than viewing Trump's actions as mere impulses. He identifies figures like Elliott Abrams and Stephen Miller as central to this faction, which has reportedly influenced objectives like regime change in Iran.

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran is "dying to make a deal" amidst stalled talks between Washington and Tehran. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has entered its third month. Trump expressed uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations, citing ambiguity surrounding Iranian leadership. When questioned about potentially restarting the war, he suggested it might not be necessary but acknowledged it as a possibility. The events occurred overnight, with Trump speaking to reporters at the White House.

Wendy Sherman, a former top negotiator for the Obama administration's Iran nuclear deal, criticized President Trump's Iran strategy in recent interviews, calling it tactical and transactional without a clear strategy. Sherman, who also served under President Biden, argued Trump's approach damaged alliances and American interests. In response, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated Sherman lacks credibility due to her role in the Iran nuclear deal, which he claimed provided the regime with funds and a path to nuclear weapons. Pigott contrasted this with the Trump administration's achievements, including peace deals and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Amidst rising tensions and an expiring ceasefire, US-Iran talks aimed at ending their ongoing war face uncertainty. Scheduled to be held in Islamabad, the talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance, are jeopardized by Iran's refusal to confirm participation. The two-week ceasefire, set to expire on April 22nd, 2026, is threatened by recent escalations, including a US naval blockade and the seizure of an Iranian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has condemned the seizure as "piracy" and threatened retaliation, while the US has warned of further military action if a deal is not reached. The article outlines four potential scenarios for the coming days, as both sides exchange threats and the future of negotiations remains unclear.

Donald Trump stated that the US is likely to resume bombing Iran as the 14-day ceasefire deadline approaches without a deal. He accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and indicated a readiness for military action, while also suggesting that negotiations are still possible with talks planned in Islamabad. Trump defended past military actions, claiming the obliteration of Iranian nuclear sites, while Iran insists it will not negotiate under threats and will respond decisively to renewed hostilities. The situation has created instability in global energy markets, with warnings of a potential crisis.

Iranian President Donald Trump canceled planned talks with Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan, citing "infighting and confusion" within the regime. The cancellation comes after Iranian leadership projected a unified front just days earlier, undermining the long-cited moderate-vs.-hardliner divide. Social media posts from Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other key officials suggest that the "good cop, bad cop" tactic used to deceive adversaries has collapsed. Trump had planned to discuss nuclear talks with Iranian leaders in Islamabad. The cancellation may have significant consequences for Trump's approach to atomic talks. Experts warn that Iran views the US as "evil," citing the regime's perception of American actions as aggressive and divisive.

President Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran, initially set to expire Wednesday, to allow Iran more time to develop a unified proposal to end the ongoing war. The decision followed a day of diplomatic uncertainty, including the postponement of a planned trip by Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad for peace talks mediated by Pakistan. While Vance never officially announced the trip, Iran also never committed to attending the talks. Trump's decision marks the second time in recent weeks he has delayed escalating the conflict. The extension's duration was not specified, unlike a previous two-week ceasefire deadline. Trump announced the extension via Truth Social, citing a request from Pakistan.

Pakistan is urgently trying to persuade Iran to rejoin US talks in Islamabad aimed at ending their eight-week war, as a ceasefire deadline approaches on Wednesday. US Vice President JD Vance, along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are expected to arrive in Pakistan to resume negotiations. However, recent escalatory actions by the US have complicated Pakistan's mediation efforts. Despite Pakistan's efforts, Iran publicly maintains it has no plans to return to negotiations, with an Iranian ambassador referencing that they will not negotiate under threat. The arrival of US personnel and equipment in Pakistan further underscores the urgency of the situation.

President Trump has canceled a planned trip by US envoys to Pakistan for further talks with Iran regarding a ceasefire. The envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were scheduled to meet with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who had just concluded meetings in Islamabad. Iran's top diplomat stated Tehran would engage with Pakistan's mediation efforts, emphasizing indirect talks. The US had sought to revive ceasefire negotiations amid disruptions to global shipping caused by the conflict and Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz. Previous high-level talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan and Geneva have not resulted in a deal.

US President Donald Trump announced a second round of US-Iran negotiations to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan on Tuesday, April 20, 2026, aimed at reviving talks before a fragile ceasefire expires. This announcement follows renewed US threats to target Iranian infrastructure if a deal isn't reached. Iran, however, denies agreeing to the talks and accuses the US of "armed piracy" after the US seized an Iran-linked tanker. Trump accuses Iran of violating the ceasefire and threatens to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges if they reject the US deal. Tensions are escalating as the US claims to have stopped an Iranian-flagged ship in the Gulf of Oman.

Pakistan is mediating efforts to facilitate a second round of talks between the US and Iran following a fragile ceasefire in their ongoing war, which has resulted in over 4,000 deaths. A Pakistani delegation, led by its military chief, traveled to Tehran carrying a message from Washington. The first round of talks, held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, involved direct and indirect exchanges between US and Iranian officials, focusing on issues like Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief. These talks, however, concluded without an agreement. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is seeking support from Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to prevent a return to war, while the US President has indicated a second round of talks may occur soon.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has expressed disappointment over the failed peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan. These talks, the highest-level direct engagement in decades, aimed to secure a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Wong urged both countries to continue the ceasefire and resume negotiations swiftly. She warned that escalating the conflict would result in greater human cost and negatively impact the global economy. The US delegation left empty-handed, failing to receive assurances from Iran regarding its nuclear weapon capabilities. Iranian media blamed "excessive" US demands for the breakdown. The Australian government has repeatedly warned of the conflict's impact on global trade and the economy, even after a ceasefire is reached.

Following failed high-level talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, the U.S. began enforcing a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in April 2026. Despite the breakdown in negotiations, retired Pakistani Lt. Gen. Mohammed Saeed, privy to the talks, believes diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran is still possible. He stated that both sides were close to an agreement and expressed willingness to resume engagement. The U.S., led by Vice President JD Vance, demanded Iran commit to a "zero enrichment" policy and eliminate its enriched uranium stockpile. President Trump defended the blockade, asserting its effectiveness in crippling Iran's economy and military capabilities.

On day 44 of the US-Iran conflict, talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at ending the war, concluded without an agreement. The 21-hour negotiations, intended to solidify a fragile ceasefire, failed due to disagreements, with both sides blaming each other. The conflict, ongoing for over six weeks, has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran, and has significantly impacted global oil and gas prices. While the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, expressed disappointment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Islamabad would continue to facilitate future peace talks. Despite skepticism among Iranian residents, there remains hope for a resolution to the conflict, which has claimed over 2,000 Iranian lives.

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as Iran states it will retaliate against any threats, following US President Trump's suggestion of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and potential strikes on Iranian water facilities. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned of reciprocal action if attacked. Meanwhile, a US delegation led by JD Vance concluded a visit to Pakistan without reaching an agreement with Iran. Separately, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported dismantling a rocket launcher in southern Lebanon, claiming it was positioned to launch towards Israel. The IDF stated the action prevented an imminent attack.

On day 48 of the US-Iran conflict in April 2026, efforts to revive negotiations are intensifying, with Pakistan playing a key mediating role. A Pakistani delegation is in Tehran to relay messages from the US, while Pakistan's Prime Minister is on a regional tour including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Despite optimism from Washington about a new round of talks in Islamabad, tensions remain high. Iran warns it may expand its response to the US naval blockade, and divisions persist in the US government regarding congressional approval for the war. Iran has expressed openness to nuclear transparency if the US is serious about a deal, but distrust is fueled by new US sanctions and the blockade.

Iran is bypassing a US port blockade on its ports by moving tens of millions of barrels of oil through covert offshore networks. The blockade, which took effect April 13, aims to halt economic trade with Iran. According to maritime intelligence firm Windward AI, at least 11 tankers carrying approximately 20 million barrels of Iranian oil are positioned offshore Malaysia within a ship-to-ship transfer hub. This indicates that Iranian oil flows are persisting outside direct transit through the Strait of Hormuz, using offshore storage and transfer mechanisms. The blockade has already had significant financial repercussions for Iran, costing it $435 million daily. The US implemented the blockade following failed peace talks between the two countries.

U.S. negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program in Pakistan ended abruptly when Vice President JD Vance's team walked away after nearly a day of talks. Nuclear experts praised the decision, citing Iran's unwillingness to concede on core U.S. demands, specifically Tehran's desire to maintain uranium enrichment capabilities. Experts argue that allowing Iran to continue enriching uranium provides a pathway for them to develop nuclear weapons. The U.S. team's stance aligns with the Trump administration's 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, as they believed it allowed Iran to eventually build a bomb. Experts suggest a good deal would require Iran to dismantle key facilities, permanently ban enrichment, and fully cooperate with IAEA investigations into its nuclear weapons program.

US-Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, during a two-week ceasefire in their ongoing war, ended without an agreement on April 11, 2026. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf blamed the US for the failure, while US Vice President JD Vance stated the lack of a deal was worse for Iran. The talks, the first high-level direct engagement since 1979, revealed deep divisions regarding Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused a global energy crisis. The US stated that a key sticking point was Iran's refusal to commit to not developing nuclear weapons. The talks, mediated by Pakistan, lasted over 21 hours.

In April 2026, Vice President JD Vance is traveling to Pakistan to lead talks with Iran. This mission, initiated by President Trump, aims to find a resolution to the war that began six weeks prior. The ceasefire between the warring nations is currently unstable. Vance, who has been a reluctant defender of the conflict, is now tasked with preventing further escalation, particularly in light of President Trump's recent threats. The talks are intended to stabilize the region and potentially bring an end to the ongoing conflict.

US Vice President JD Vance has been dispatched to Islamabad to negotiate a peace deal with Iran, marking his first major assignment amid ongoing US-Israeli military action. Vance's task is to solidify a ceasefire and negotiate the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran, emboldened by its control of the strait, demands the release of blocked assets as a precondition for negotiations. The success of these talks, the highest-level meeting since 1979, could significantly impact Vance's political future, particularly his potential 2028 presidential run. The negotiations face uncertainty due to recent Israeli strikes and disagreements over Lebanon's inclusion in the ceasefire, setting the stage for potentially difficult and protracted discussions.

US officials claim Iran is unable to locate and remove mines it laid in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply. This inability is hindering negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad aimed at ending the war. The US demands the strait's immediate opening as a condition for sustaining the current ceasefire, while Iran's Foreign Minister alluded to "technical limitations" in demining. Iran mined the strait last month following a declaration of war by the US and Israel, disrupting maritime traffic. The US lacks precise knowledge of the mines' locations, and neither country currently possesses the capacity for rapid demining, further complicating the situation and threatening to derail truce talks.

Amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, US-Iran ceasefire talks are threatened. The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday, killed at least 300 people and injured over 1,150. Talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday, with US Vice President JD Vance attending. Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that "time is running out" due to Israel's continued actions. The purpose of the talks is to establish a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

On day 41 of the Iran war, Lebanon declared a national day of mourning following Israeli attacks that killed at least 254 people. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is seeking diplomatic intervention to halt the violence. While a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan was believed to include Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Vice President JD Vance stated it does not. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insists the ceasefire covers Lebanon, warning of continued war if attacks persist. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian demands a halt to Israeli attacks in Lebanon as part of Iran's ceasefire conditions. However, a US official stated that Iran's publicly released 10-point ceasefire plan differs from the agreement made with the White House.

US Vice President JD Vance is leading a US delegation in Pakistan to negotiate an end to the war in Iran. President Trump has publicly placed the responsibility for the success of these talks on Vance, while also indicating he will take credit if a deal is reached. Vance faces a complex diplomatic challenge, needing to satisfy the interests of the US, Iran, Israel, European allies, and Trump's political base, all of whom have differing objectives and distrust each other. The negotiations aim to achieve a permanent agreement after a six-week military campaign that has destabilized the Middle East and the global economy. The outcome of these talks could significantly impact Vance's political future, especially regarding a potential presidential run in 2028.

The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, setting a deadline for a final agreement between the two nations. This truce also coincides with the approaching expiration of the 60-day legal limit imposed by the War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional authorization for military action. The Trump administration initiated the war powers notification on March 2nd, following joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28th. The War Powers Resolution mandates that the President consult Congress before engaging in hostilities and withdraw forces within 60 days without congressional approval. The looming deadline raises questions about the future of the conflict if a diplomatic resolution is not reached before the legal limit expires around May 1st.