ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Iran confirmed on Monday, April 20, 2026, that it has no current plans to attend scheduled negotiations with the United States in Pakistan, despite an order from United States President Donald Trump for American negotiators to arrive in the country on Monday.
Okay News reports that state broadcaster IRIB cited Iranian sources stating there are currently no plans to participate in the next round of talks with the United States.
Tensions between the two nations increased after an American destroyer fired upon and seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska on Sunday. Donald Trump said the vessel was targeted because it attempted to evade a United States naval blockade of Iranian ports, adding that United States Marines currently have custody of the ship. In response to the seizure, the Tasnim news agency reported that Iran deployed drones toward United States military vessels.
United States officials announced that the delegation arriving in Islamabad on Monday evening will be led by United States Vice President JD Vance and will include Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. A central point of contention remains Iran‘s stockpile of approximately 440 kilograms, or 970 pounds, of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium. The Iranian foreign ministry has stated the material is buried under rubble and will not be transferred.
Authorities in Pakistan have implemented road closures and traffic restrictions across Islamabad and the neighboring city of Rawalpindi in preparation for the arrival of the United States delegation.
