Iran may join peace talks after Pakistan works to end US blockade, Iran source says

On 20 April 2026, it was unclear whether Iran would join a second round of peace talks with the US in Islamabad. Reuters wrote that Iran may join the talks after Pakistan works to end the US blockade, citing an Iran source, while other outlets wrote that Iran denied it would take part and said it has no plan for US peace talks. Iran's president said diplomacy is key, and Pakistan told Trump the US blockade is a hurdle to talks. Bloomberg wrote that tensions rose after the US seized a ship.

Trump said an Iran deal would be signed 'today' or 'tonight' in Pakistan, and that he has 'no problem' meeting Iranian leaders, while Tehran had not confirmed its participation. A US delegation led by Vance was reported to be heading to Islamabad, though a source said Vance had not yet left. A senior Pakistani government source said Pakistan was confident Iran would attend.