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US-Iran peace talks held in Pakistan hit stalemate; Netanyahu vows to continue fight against Iran’s terrorist regime

Statesman News Service

Diplomatic efforts to prevent a fresh flare-up in West Asia gathered pace on April 11, with US and Iranian delegations converging on Islamabad for high-stakes talks during a fragile two-week truce. But even before the first formal engagement, the mood around the negotiations remained tense, with threats, distrust and public sparring continuing on all sides.

The focus has shifted sharply to the Strait of Hormuz, now at the heart of both military and diplomatic pressure. While Washington says the waterway will reopen “with or without” Iran’s cooperation, Tehran has signalled deep mistrust of the US and tied any meaningful progress to conditions, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets.

Updates

Israel to continue to fight Iran’s terror regime: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue its fight against Iran and its allied groups, asserting that his government remains committed to confronting Tehran’s “terror regime and its proxies.”

In a sharply worded statement, Netanyahu also took aim at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accusing him of accommodating such groups and alleging actions against Kurdish citizens.


Talks between US and Iran hit 'stalemate' over Hormuz

Negotiators have said that the peace talks between the United States and Iran reached a “stalemate” over the control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to media reports.

US starts mine clearance mission in Strait of Hormuz

The United States Central Command began preparatory operations today to support mine-clearing efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, with two US Navy guided-missile destroyers deployed in the region.


The USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG-121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) transited the strait and carried out operations in the Arabian Gulf as part of a wider mission aimed at ensuring the key maritime corridor is cleared of sea mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.


US starts mine clearance mission in Strait of Hormuz

The United States Central Command began preparatory operations today to support mine-clearing efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, with two US Navy guided-missile destroyers deployed in the region.


The USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG-121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) transited the strait and carried out operations in the Arabian Gulf as part of a wider mission aimed at ensuring the key maritime corridor is cleared of sea mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.


Iran delegation in Pakistan to defend national interests with ‘courage’: Masoud Pezeshkian


Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the high-level delegation currently in Pakistan will firmly defend the country’s national interests during ongoing engagements. In a statement posted on social media, Pezeshkian called the delegation a “staunch guardian” of Iran’s interests, adding that it would approach negotiations with determination and courage.


Talks resume after dinner break

The first round of US-Iran talks lasted just under two hours. There was a break for dinner and then the negotiation talks began again, reports Al Jazeera.

Trump claims Iran is losing big; slams media for being 'bias'

US President Donald Trump dismissed suggestions of his country not having reached its military objectives in its war with Iran, saying "everyone knows that they are "LOSING BIG".

"The Fake News Media has lost total credibility, not that they had any to begin with. Because of their massive Trump Derangement Syndrome (Sometimes referred to as TDS!), they love saying that Iran is "winning" when, in fact, everyone knows that they are LOSING, and LOSING BIG! Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft apparatus is nonexistent, Radar is dead, their Missile and Drone Factories have been largely obliterated along with the Missiles and Drones themselves and, most importantly, their longtime "Leaders" are no longer with us, praise be to Allah!" Trump said in his post.

Trump claims Iran is losing big; slams media for being 'bias'

US President Donald Trump dismissed suggestions of his country not having reached its military objectives in its war with Iran, saying "everyone knows that they are "LOSING BIG".

"The Fake News Media has lost total credibility, not that they had any to begin with. Because of their massive Trump Derangement Syndrome (Sometimes referred to as TDS!), they love saying that Iran is "winning" when, in fact, everyone knows that they are LOSING, and LOSING BIG! Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft apparatus is nonexistent, Radar is dead, their Missile and Drone Factories have been largely obliterated along with the Missiles and Drones themselves and, most importantly, their longtime "Leaders" are no longer with us, praise be to Allah!" Trump said in his post.

Israel claims 200 Hezbollah targets hit in Lebanon

The Israeli Air Force claims to have struck more than 200 targets of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in Lebanon in the past day. The Air Force struck more than 200 targets of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in Lebanon in the past day.

The Air Force continues to strike the infrastructure of the terrorist organization Hezbollah and to assist the operations of the ground forces operating in southern Lebanon.


Meeting between Pakistan PM and Iranian delegation [VIDEO]

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with the Iranian delegation at the Islamabad Talks, earlier today. The Iranian side was led by the Speaker of the Iranian Consultative Assembly, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, assisted by the Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshall Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi attended the meeting from the Pakistani side.

United States, Iran peace talks begin in Pakistan

High-level ceasefire talks involving the United States and Iran have commenced in Islamabad, according to Al Jazeera. The discussions mark the most significant direct engagement between the US and Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Ahead of the formal negotiations with the United States, Iran’s delegation convened a key strategy session in the Pakistani capital. The team, in Islamabad for the crucial talks, reviewed and refined its negotiating position before entering the official “peace talks” with US counterparts.

Trump says empty oil tankers heading to US to load up with oil, gas


US President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social, "Massive numbers of completely empty oil tankers, some of the largest anywhere in the World, are heading, right now, to the United States to load up with the best and “sweetest” oil (and gas!) anywhere in the World. We have more oil than the next two largest oil economies combined - and higher quality..."

Screenshot 2026-04-11 174953.png

Trump says empty oil tankers heading to US to load up with oil, gas

US President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social, "Massive numbers of completely empty oil tankers, some of the largest anywhere in the World, are heading, right now, to the United States to load up with the best and “sweetest” oil (and gas!) anywhere in the World. We have more oil than the next two largest oil economies combined - and higher quality..."

Screenshot 2026-04-11 174953.png

Trump says empty oil tankers heading to US to load up with oil, gas


US President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social, "Massive numbers of completely empty oil tankers, some of the largest anywhere in the World, are heading, right now, to the United States to load up with the best and “sweetest” oil (and gas!) anywhere in the World. We have more oil than the next two largest oil economies combined - and higher quality..."

Screenshot 2026-04-11 174953.png

Pakistani fighter jets deployed in Saudi Arabia under defence pact

Pakistani fighter jets and support aircraft have been deployed at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia as part of a bilateral defence agreement between the two countries, according to Al Jazeera.

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said the deployment is aimed at strengthening joint military coordination and improving operational readiness between the two countries’ armed forces, in line with efforts to support regional and international security.

Pakistani fighter jets deployed in Saudi Arabia under defence pact

Pakistani fighter jets and support aircraft have been deployed at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia as part of a bilateral defence agreement between the two countries, according to Al Jazeera.

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said the deployment is aimed at strengthening joint military coordination and improving operational readiness between the two countries’ armed forces, in line with efforts to support regional and international security.

US denies agreeing to unfreeze Iranian assets

A US official on Saturday denied reports that the US had agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets held overseas. Earlier, Reuters reported that the United States had agreed to release Iranian funds frozen in Qatar and other foreign banks, citing a senior Iranian source.

The US official dismissed the claim, indicating no such agreement had been reached, even as questions persist over the status of Iranian assets held abroad.

 

US Vice President JD Vance meets Pakistan PM

JD Vance met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today, as US-Iran negotiations formally got underway.

The meeting between the two leaders took place at the outset of the talks, signalling the start of discussions aimed at addressing key regional issues.


Iran struggles to reopen Strait of Hormuz as missing sea mines complicate navigation: Report

Iran reportedly facing difficulties in reopening the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz after laying sea mines during recent hostilities. According to a report by The New York Times, citing US officials, Tehran is unable to locate all the mines it deployed in the vital shipping corridor, raising serious concerns over maritime safety and global oil supply.

US Vice President JD Vance meets Pakistan PM

JD Vance met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today, as US-Iran negotiations formally got underway.

The meeting between the two leaders took place at the outset of the talks, signalling the start of discussions aimed at addressing key regional issues.



US has NOT agreed to release any frozen Iranian assets — 'senior US official' to CBS

VIDEO: Vance meets Sharif in Islamabad https://t.co/Rd9MM47Ce2 pic.twitter.com/btX7Dl6cT5

— RT (@RT_com) April 11, 2026


US Vice President JD Vance meets Pakistan PM

JD Vance met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today, as US-Iran negotiations formally got underway.

The meeting between the two leaders took place at the outset of the talks, signalling the start of discussions aimed at addressing key regional issues.


US airstrikes left Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei ‘disfigured, severely wounded’: Reports

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, is still recovering from serious injuries sustained in an airstrike during the US-Israel-Iran war that killed his father, according to three people close to his inner circle who spoke to Reuters.


The sources said the strike on the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran left Khamenei with significant facial disfigurement and serious injuries to one or both legs.

Iran signals deal possible, but draws line on ‘Israel First’ approach


Iran’s Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref has said a deal is possible if talks are conducted in good faith.

“If we negotiate… with representatives of ‘America First,’ an agreement beneficial to both sides… is probable,” he said, warning that if the talks reflect an “Israel First” approach, “there will be no deal”.

He added that in such a scenario, Iran would continue its defence “more vigorously”, raising the stakes around the outcome of the Islamabad talks.

Israel rules out ceasefire with Hezbollah ahead of Lebanon talks


Israel has said it will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah during upcoming talks with Lebanese diplomats in Washington next week.

The position comes even as Israeli strikes in Lebanon continue, adding strain to the already fragile ceasefire linked to the wider Iran conflict.

Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors held late-night discussions on Friday to finalise arrangements for the meeting scheduled at the US State Department on Tuesday.

Iranian delegation meets Pakistan PM in Islamabad


The Iranian delegation has now met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, according to Tasnim news agency.

The team, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, held talks with the Pakistani leadership ahead of the US-Iran negotiations.

Details of the meeting are awaited.

Hormuz outcome could define US global standing, says Dalio


Dalio framed the conflict around a single question: whether the United States can guarantee safe commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

He warned that failure to do so could damage US credibility, disrupt global energy markets and weaken the dollar’s position as the world’s reserve currency.

Drawing historical parallels, Dalio said such a moment could resemble the Suez Canal Crisis for Britain, a turning point that reshaped global perceptions of power.

Dalio warns ‘worst phase’ of Hormuz conflict still ahead


Investor Ray Dalio has warned that the most critical phase of the Iran conflict may still be ahead, centred on control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Dalio said both sides understand that a “final battle” will determine the outcome of the war and shape global power dynamics.

He dismissed the chances of a meaningful negotiated settlement, calling such agreements “worthless” in the current context.

Kerry says Netanyahu pushed for Iran strikes for years, only Trump agreed


Former US Secretary of State John Kerry has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had repeatedly urged multiple US administrations to carry out military strikes on Iran.

Speaking on The Briefing with Jen Psaki, Kerry said he was part of several discussions where Netanyahu “wanted us to strike”.

He added that former presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden and George W Bush had all declined the proposal.

“The only president who has agreed to this, obviously, is President Trump,” Kerry said, describing Netanyahu’s pitch as a detailed plan that included targeting leadership and triggering regime change.

Iranian delegation departs for meeting with Pakistan PM


Iran’s delegation has departed for its scheduled meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, ISNA news agency reported.

The meeting comes as Pakistan continues to mediate between Tehran and Washington ahead of the first round of ceasefire talks.

Iran enters US talks with ‘complete distrust’, says Araghchi


Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran is entering negotiations with the United States with “complete distrust”.

According to Mehr news agency, Araghchi told his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in a phone call that repeated “breaches of promise” and “betrayals of diplomacy” by Washington had shaped Iran’s position.

He added that Iran would “fight with full authority to secure the interests and rights of the Iranian people”.


Iranian delegation to meet Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif


The Iranian negotiation team is scheduled to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad later in the day, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

The meeting comes ahead of the first round of US-Iran talks, with Pakistan playing a central role as facilitator in the high-stakes diplomatic process.

Tasnim also reported that the Iranian delegation had already met Pakistan’s army chief and foreign minister upon arrival in the capital on Friday night.

Israel questions Pakistan’s role as mediator in US-Iran talks


Former Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy has strongly criticised Pakistan’s role in the ongoing US-Iran negotiations, calling it “not a good-faith mediator”.

Reacting to remarks by Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Levy said the statement describing Israel as “evil and a curse for humanity” was “outrageous and completely unacceptable”.

He further alleged that Pakistan is an “aggressive state” that supports terrorism and warned that its involvement in mediation could set a “dangerous precedent” by elevating its global role while sidelining India’s security concerns.

Levy also claimed Pakistan was aligned with Iran and attempting to build a broader regional axis, adding that such a country “cannot possibly be a source of global stability”.

Security tightened across Islamabad ahead of US-Iran talks


Security has been stepped up across Islamabad as the city prepares to host high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran.

Both American and Iranian delegations have now landed in the Pakistani capital, with negotiations expected to begin under heavy security arrangements across key locations.

US delegation lands in Islamabad for Iran talks


A US aircraft carrying the American team for negotiations with Iran has landed in Islamabad, according to Reuters.

The arrival signals that the first round of high-stakes talks is set to begin within the scheduled diplomatic window.

Israel agrees to Lebanon ceasefire talks, but draws line on Hezbollah


Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter has confirmed that Israel has agreed to hold ceasefire-related talks on Lebanon in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.

However, he made it clear that Israel will not negotiate with Hezbollah, keeping a key sticking point in the wider ceasefire framework unresolved.

Talks may begin today if Iran’s preconditions are met


According to Tasnim, discussions could begin on Saturday afternoon, but only if Iran’s stated preconditions are addressed.

Tehran has already insisted on issues such as a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked assets before formal negotiations move forward.

Iran’s 71-member delegation reaches Pakistan


Iran’s delegation, comprising around 71 members, has also arrived in Islamabad for the talks, Tasnim News Agency reported.

The size and composition of the team underline the significance Tehran is attaching to the negotiations.

US delegation lands in Islamabad for Iran talks


A US aircraft carrying the American team for negotiations with Iran has landed in Islamabad, according to Reuters.

The arrival signals that the first round of high-stakes talks is set to begin within the scheduled diplomatic window.

Over 40 countries part of coordinated push


The earlier April 2 meeting saw participation from over 40 countries, along with organisations such as the European Union and the International Maritime Organization.

The upcoming talks will mark Britain’s third such meeting this month on the Hormuz crisis.

Focus on freeing ships, sailors stuck in Hormuz


One of the key priorities of the meeting will be securing the release of ships and sailors currently trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.

Thousands of vessels are believed to be affected, making it one of the biggest maritime disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict.

Sanctions, diplomatic pressure on table against Iran


The upcoming discussions are likely to focus on coordinated economic and political measures, including possible sanctions on Iran.

Officials said the talks will also explore ways to increase diplomatic pressure on Tehran and push for a sustainable end to the conflict.

Britain to hold fresh talks on Hormuz reopening next week


Britain is set to hold another round of talks with allies next week on reopening the Strait of Hormuz without paying tolls to Iran.

Officials from London are expected to meet counterparts from countries that joined an earlier April 2 virtual meeting hosted by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, according to IANS.

Israeli anger grows over Khawaja Asif’s deleted post


According to ANI, Khawaja Asif’s deleted post had described Israel as “evil”, a “curse for humanity” and a “cancerous state”, while expressing hope that those responsible for its creation would “burn in hell”.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also reacted, saying such remarks were being viewed as a call for Israel’s annihilation.

The controversy has added another layer of friction around negotiations already burdened by mistrust and conflicting ceasefire interpretations.

Pakistan’s role comes under attack from former Israeli spokesperson


As Islamabad positioned itself as a host for the talks, former Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy sharply criticised Pakistan’s role, citing a now-deleted post by Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

Levy called the statement “outrageous and completely unacceptable” and said Israel viewed it as a call for the country’s destruction by a nuclear-armed state.

He argued Pakistan was “not a good-faith mediator” and warned that giving it a larger diplomatic role could create a “dangerous precedent”.

Trump says US will reopen the Gulf ‘with or without a deal’


Speaking at Joint Base Andrews before JD Vance’s departure, Trump said the United States was prepared to move ahead on restoring navigation in the Gulf regardless of how the talks played out.

“They’re militarily defeated, and now we’re going to open up the gulf (Strait of Hormuz) with or without a deal,” he said.

He went further, claiming Iran’s navy, air force and anti-aircraft capacity had been knocked out, and said the US was “very close” to achieving its objectives.

US says no nuclear weapon is the central goal


Trump also said the main American objective in any deal with Iran remained unchanged.

“No nuclear weapon. That’s 99 per cent of it,” he said.

His comments reinforced the White House line that the current diplomacy is being tested against a clear security demand, even as public rhetoric from Washington remains coercive.

Trump says Hormuz will reopen ‘automatically’ - with or without Iran


As negotiations prepared to begin, Trump struck an aggressive public tone on the Strait of Hormuz, saying US negotiators would discuss reopening the route with Iranian representatives in Pakistan.

“That will open up automatically,” Trump told reporters. He later said he believed the waterway would reopen “fairly soon”.

“I think it’s going to go pretty quickly. And if it doesn’t, we’ll be able to finish it off one way or the other,” he said.

Ceasefire holds uneasily as Lebanon remains sticking point


The current ceasefire between Iran and the United States was reached early Wednesday, but the truce remains under visible strain because Israel has continued its attacks in Lebanon.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Speaker Qalibaf have both said that stopping the attacks on Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefire framework.

That difference remains one of the biggest obstacles hanging over the Islamabad talks.

UN chief welcomes Pakistan talks, asks both sides to seize opening


UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the US-Iran talks due to begin in Islamabad over the weekend.

His spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Guterres was urging the parties to use the diplomatic opening “in good faith” and work towards a “lasting and comprehensive agreement” aimed at de-escalation and preventing a return to hostilities.

He also said there was “no viable alternative” to peaceful settlement under international law.

Iran delegation includes top security, military and economic officials


The Iranian team travelling to Islamabad is wider than a standard diplomatic delegation, underlining the stakes attached to the talks.

Reports said it includes representatives from security, political, military, economic and legal sectors. Among those named are Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Defence Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, along with members of parliament.

Ghalibaf says Iran has ‘goodwill but no trust’


Upon arriving in Islamabad, Qalibaf underlined Tehran’s deep suspicion of Washington, saying Iran’s past experience with the US had been marked by “failure and breach of promise”.

“They attacked us twice in the middle of the negotiations. We have goodwill but no trust,” he said, according to Tasnim News Agency.

ANI also reported that Qalibaf carried pictures of Minab victims on the official flight to Pakistan, describing them on X as “My companions on this flight.”

Iran reiterates preconditions before formal talks


Even as the delegation reached Pakistan, Tehran continued to insist that two issues had to be addressed before negotiations could meaningfully move ahead: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets.

Qalibaf said on X that both were among the measures agreed between the parties but had not yet been implemented. He said these “must be fulfilled before negotiations begin”.

Iranian officials have also maintained that Israel’s continuing attacks on Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon are straining the truce.

Iranian delegation reaches Islamabad for talks


A high-level Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for the expected talks with the United States. The team also includes Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Pakistan said the delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Islamabad said it hoped the parties would engage constructively and reaffirmed its willingness to facilitate a lasting solution.

Iran says US and Israel are not serious about negotiations


Speaking in Moradabad, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the Representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, said Iran had not started the war and did not want further regional instability.

“They are not serious about negotiations,” he said of the US and Israel, while also adding that Iran was looking for “peace, justice, and humanity”.

He said the conflict was hurting ordinary people globally, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, where disruption was affecting prices of oil, gas and other goods.

Trump warns of fresh military action if talks fail


In a phone interview with The New York Post, Trump said the outcome of the Islamabad talks would become clear “in about 24 hours” and warned that US military assets were being prepared in case diplomacy broke down.

“We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made,” he said, adding that if there was no deal, the US would use them “very effectively”.

He also questioned Iran’s credibility, saying Washington did not know whether Tehran was telling the truth.

JD Vance leaves for Islamabad, says US open to ‘good faith’ talks


Ahead of the first round of discussions, US Vice President JD Vance departed for Islamabad and said Washington was willing to engage if Iran came to the table seriously.

“We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive,” Vance said, while warning that if Iran tried to “play” the US, the American team would not be “that receptive”.

The White House said Vance would be joined by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Iran’s Hormuz fee proposal adds pressure before talks


The latest round of tension around the strategic waterway came after Ibrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s Parliament National Security Commission, said a parliamentary proposal envisages transit fees through the Strait being paid in rial.

According to a post shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai, the proposal is part of a broader Strategic Action Plan for Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz. The post also said any agreement with Oman would be secondary, not central, to the plan.

Trump says Iran has ‘no cards’ beyond Hormuz pressure


US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social on April 10, accused Iran of trying to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in negotiations, saying Tehran had “no cards” other than “short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways”.

He was reacting to an Iranian parliamentary proposal under which transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz could be paid in Iran’s national currency, the rial. Trump also wrote that “the only reason” Iran was “alive today is to negotiate”.

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