Uncertainty prevails over Tehran’s participation in next round of talks with US: Iran FM Spokesperson Baqaei

By  News On Air   Apr 20, 2026

Uncertainty prevailed over the second round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad today, amid exhibitory brinkmanship by both sides. A two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday. Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that his country has yet to decide whether to attend the next round of talks with the US.

Addressing a weekly press briefing in Tehran today, Baqaei said they have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made in this regard. The spokesman elaborated that the US was not serious about pursuing diplomacy, citing alleged violations of the two-week ceasefire.

On the other side, US President Donald Trump said the US Navy targeted an Iranian ship trying to evade the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The attack comes hours after US President Donald Trump announced that he is sending his team to Islamabad for possible talks with Iran.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has also closed the Strait of Hormuz, requiring commercial ships to obtain explicit permission and follow Guard-approved routes, warning that vessels approaching without clearance could be targeted. The last round of dialogue was held on April 11 and 12 in Islamabad.