Iran war: Talks in doubt as leaders issue threats
What you need to know
- US and Iran send mixed signals on talks
- US to reportedly host new Israel – Lebanon talks
Here is a round-up of the latest developments from the US-Israeli war with Iran and the wider Middle East on Tuesday, April 21, 2026:
Skip next section US and Iran send mixed signals over talks04/21/2026April 21, 2026US and Iran send mixed signals over talks
The United States and Iran each warned they were ready for war as the clock ticked down on a ceasefire, amid uncertainty over talks that President Donald Trump said would resume in Pakistan.
With the 14-day ceasefire to expire Wednesday, he said, "I am under no pressure whatsoever" to make a deal with Iran, while also expressing confidence that further negotiations with Tehran will soon take place in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, accused the United States of wanting Iran to surrender and added that on the contrary, Iran has been preparing "to reveal new cards on the battlefield."
On Monday, Axios reported, citing US sources, that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan on Tuesday to meet with Iranian officials.
Just over a week ago, a first round of talks took place in Islamabad between senior representatives from Washington and Tehran. However, the talks ended without producing any tangible results.
Peace talks between the US and Iran collapse
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https://p.dw.com/p/5CYc5Skip next section US to host new talks between Israel, Lebanon — media report04/21/2026April 21, 2026US to host new talks between Israel, Lebanon — media report
A US official told the AFP news agency that the United States will hold new negotiations between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday.
The talks aim to encourage an agreement following the start of a fragile US-mediated ceasefire.
"We will continue to facilitate direct, good-faith discussions between the two governments," a State Department official said on the customary condition of anonymity.
The first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in decades were held on April 14.
Israel‑Hezbollah ceasefire holds despite sporadic clashes
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https://p.dw.com/p/5CYcbSkip next section Welcome to our coverage04/21/2026April 21, 2026Welcome to our coverage
Dmytro Hubenko | Louis Oelofse EditorDW begins its Tuesday coverage of the Middle East amid continuing uncertainty over whether the United States and Iran will resume negotiations in Pakistan.
Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said Tehran will not accept talks with Washington if they come under threat.
Writing on X, Qalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of trying to turn the negotiating table into what he called a “table of surrender.”
The Day with Phil Gayle: Peace delayed in Iran war
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Stay tuned for more news and analysis.
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