Will there be a resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States?

Published: April 21, 2026 15:49

Updated: April 21, 2026 18:00

Reading Time: 2min – Video: 2min

Donald Trump has postponed the ultimatum on the end of the truce by one day. Both governments are making threats, raising doubts about their planned meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The center of Islamabad is deserted on the morning of Tuesday, April 21. The main arteries are blocked off and the shops are closed in a wide perimeter. The Pakistani capital is ready to host American and Iranian delegations for new talks on the eve of the ceasefire expiration. However, there is currently no certainty that the two sides will meet. In Tehran, residents are optimistic. “Yes, it will happen, because we cannot remain uncertain. Things cannot continue like this and Iran will emerge victorious; I think we should avoid resuming the war. War is costly for both sides,” explain residents.

And in the event that negotiations resume, the Iranian chief judicial power shows little optimism about their outcomes. “American action against one of our ships will surely lead to a response from the Islamic Republic of Iran. They are the ones who violated the ceasefire,” said Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, Iranian chief judicial power.

On the American side, Vice President J.D Vance is expected to arrive, as he did ten days ago. One of the main sticking points remains enriched uranium for nuclear purposes. The United States have lowered their demands. They are no longer asking for abandonment, but rather a fifteen-year moratorium. “Trump, as president, has been weakened partly by his team, which may lack unanimity, but also by countries that bear the consequences of this military action, namely the Gulf countries, which are greatly affected,” said Marc Lavergne, CNRS research director.

Indicating that negotiations are likely to resume. Since Monday, April 20, American military and official planes have been landing at an airport near Islamabad.