Politics Second round of negotiations between Iran and the USA still open
Shortly before the ceasefire in the Iran war expires on Wednesday, the progress of negotiations between Washington and Tehran remains open.
20.04.2026, 15:12
SDA
The US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, where the US navy attacked an Iranian freighter on Sunday and brought it under its control, is the main source of tension.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi received diplomatic representatives from Iran and the USA at two different meetings. Among other things, they discussed security in the Pakistani capital Islamabad ahead of a possible second round of negotiations, according to a statement.
"We pray for the success of the second round of negotiations in Islamabad," Naqvi said at a meeting with the US embassy's chargé d'affaires, Natalie A. Baker. In a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Resa Amiri Moghadam, the minister emphasized the "need for a sustainable solution through diplomatic and negotiation channels", according to the statement.
Iran has not yet decided on negotiations
According to Iran, it has not yet made a decision on further negotiations with the USA, said Foreign Office spokesman Ismail Baghai in Tehran. A further round of negotiations is not currently planned. Baghai pointed out that Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir had presented a new US proposal during a visit to Tehran a few days ago. "This is currently being examined," said the spokesman. "Taking into account Iran's interests, we will take the necessary decision on how to proceed."
Tehran had recently rejected a further meeting with US representatives, citing excessive US demands, its constant changes of course and the continued naval blockade of Iranian ports, as the state agency Irna reported.
US President Donald Trump had previously announced his willingness to enter into new negotiations. The US is offering the leadership in Tehran a "very fair and reasonable deal", Trump wrote on Truth Social. He hoped that Iran would accept it. "If they don't, the United States will shut down every single power plant and every single bridge in Iran", Trump threatened.
US representatives want to travel to Islamabad
His representatives will arrive in the Pakistani capital Islamabad in the evening. The German Press Agency learned from the White House that Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner will be traveling there.
The neighboring country and nuclear power Pakistan is mediating between Tehran and Washington. Preparations for a second round of negotiations have been underway in Islamabad for days. Just over a week ago, high-ranking delegations from Washington and Tehran met in Islamabad for negotiations. However, the talks ended without any results.
China criticizes US actions in the Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, China criticized the actions of the US in the Strait of Hormuz. "We are concerned about the violent intervention by the US against the ships in question," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun in Beijing. China hopes that the respective sides will behave responsibly and adhere to the ceasefire agreement, he said. China called for the "window for peace" to be used. In addition, conditions should be created for an early end to the war, said spokesman Guo.
In addition to between the USA and Iran, a ceasefire has also been in place for several days in the war between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Despite the ceasefire, Israel's army reportedly attacked a rocket launching pad in the south of the country during the night. This was ready to fire and posed a "direct threat to the villages in northern Israel" as well as to soldiers, the Israeli military announced in the morning. The army will continue to defend itself against threats and ensure the safety of Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Ceasefire in Lebanon remains fragile
According to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon published by the US State Department, Israel may take all necessary measures for self-defense against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks. Israeli soldiers are still stationed in southern Lebanon. The country speaks of a "security zone" to protect northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks. Displaced Lebanese are currently unable to return to the area.
Hezbollah announced in the morning that armored vehicles of the Israeli army had been hit during the night by explosive devices that the Iranian-backed militia had placed in the area earlier. Israel's army said on request that it was investigating the matter.
