BlockBeats report: On April 20, Trump released multiple positive signals regarding the U.S.-Iran situation over the past 24 hours, but most of these claims were later refuted by Iran. Trump first stated that U.S. representatives would arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the evening of April 20 (Eastern Time) to participate in U.S.-Iran talks scheduled for April 21. However, Iran subsequently refused to attend the second round of talks, denying the existence of such negotiations and leaving the prospects for dialogue uncertain. This morning, U.S. forces attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, forcing it to turn back; Trump claimed that U.S. Marines had taken control of an Iranian ship attempting to break through the U.S. blockade. Iran, meanwhile, stated it is prepared for renewed hostilities and warned that if war resumes, it will make its enemies experience an unforgettable "hellish moment." Below is a summary of the latest developments in U.S.-Iran tensions:
Iran:
Speaker of the Iranian Parliament: Prepared for both diplomatic and military responses.
Mashhad Airport in Iran will resume international passenger flight operations.
Iran's President: Trump has no justification to strip Iran of its nuclear rights.
Speaker of Iran's Parliament: A conflict nearly reignited during Iran-U.S. negotiations. War could restart at any moment.
According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency: Iran has arrested four individuals, including two foreign nationals, on suspicion of involvement in a “spy network.”
Iran's Vice President described the U.S. stance as "inconsistent" and reaffirmed that control over the strait is crucial.
United States
The USS Ford returned to the Middle East after a brief maintenance period.
Latest poll: Over 60% of Americans oppose expanding military action against Iran.
Trump: There is ongoing conflict between moderates and hardliners within Iran. Iran has agreed to many terms of the deal.
Israel
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority, citing informed sources, said Israel is preparing for a possible escalation of war with Iran.
According to Al Jazeera: Israel’s Defense Minister stated that, despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military has been instructed to go “all out” in Lebanon if its forces face any threat.
Strait of Hormuz
UAE officials call for a full and unconditional reopening of the strait.
No vessel traffic recorded in the Strait of Hormuz on the 19th.
Iran has blocked two tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran says it and its strategic partners control the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
Germany's Defense Minister: The German Navy is preparing for a possible deployment to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran plans to enact a law on the management of the Strait of Hormuz, prohibiting vessels associated with Israel from passing through.
U.S. forces attacked an Iranian merchant vessel, forcing it to return; Trump: U.S. Marines have taken control of an Iranian ship attempting to break through the U.S. blockade.
U.S. Central Command confirmed the interception of the Touska cargo ship.
Iranian parliamentary official: The United States must accept the new order in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ceasefire negotiations
The U.S. military transport aircraft returned after landing at a Pakistani air force base.
Security has been heightened in Islamabad as a flight carrying U.S. personnel arrives in Pakistan.
The Turkish Foreign Minister stated that the United States and Iran are willing to continue negotiations.
Trump said the U.S. and Iran will hold talks in Islamabad on the 20th; media reports on whether Vance will attend the U.S.-Iran resumption of talks are inconsistent.
According to ABC News: Trump says Iran has seriously violated the ceasefire agreement; still believes a peace deal with Iran is possible.
Trump said the proposed plan is "fair and reasonable" and hopes Iran will accept it; otherwise, U.S. forces will bomb Iran's power plants and bridges.
According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency: Iran has not decided to send a negotiation delegation and will not negotiate as long as the maritime blockade remains in place.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister: We will never hand over enriched uranium to the United States. We have exchanged information with the U.S., but the U.S. insists on making excessive demands.
U.S. media: The U.S. says Vance will lead a delegation to Islamabad to restart negotiations, but Iran suspects it is a cover for a "raid."
Iranian media: Iran refuses to participate in the second round of talks with the U.S.; reports of U.S.-Iran second-round negotiations are unfounded, and the prospects for talks remain uncertain.