US Iran War News Live Updates: Trump says ‘ready to go’ back to war with Iran as ceasefire end looms
Paramilitary soldier patrol ahead of the second round of negotiations between the US and Iran, in Islamabad on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. (AP Photo)
US Iran Israel War News Live Updates: The prospect of a second round of high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad remains perilously uncertain on Tuesday, April 21. While US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead an American delegation to the Pakistani capital, Tehran has signalled a hardening stance. Iranian Chief Negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf declared early Tuesday that the Islamic Republic will not negotiate “under the shadow of threats,” warning that Iran is prepared to “reveal new cards on the battlefield.”
The diplomatic deadlock comes at a volatile moment: a fragile two-week ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday, and President Donald Trump has indicated he is “highly unlikely” to renew it, stating he is in no rush to end the conflict. Tensions have been further inflamed by the US Navy’s recent seizure of an Iranian container ship and Tehran’s subsequent re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz to “hostile” nations.
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As the clock ticks toward the ceasefire’s end, the humanitarian and economic stakes continue to climb. The conflict has already claimed over 5,700 lives across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Gulf states. Global markets remain on edge, with Brent crude hovering above $95 a barrel and European leaders warning of a looming jet fuel crisis.
Iran-US war ceasefire: Key developments
- Deadlock in Islamabad: Despite thousands of security personnel deploying in the Pakistani capital, Iranian state TV reports that no delegation has yet arrived, reflecting internal friction within Tehran’s leadership.
- Casualties in Gaza: Israeli strikes killed at least five people early Tuesday, including four suspected militants in Khan Younis and a woman in a displacement camp in Beit Lahiya.
- Chinese Mediation: Beijing has described the situation as a “critical stage of transition” and is pressing for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard global energy supplies.
- Fuel fears in Europe: EU transport ministers are meeting in Brussels after warnings that Europe may have only six weeks of jet fuel reserves left due to disruptions in the Middle East.
- Domestic execution: Amid the international crisis, Iran announced the execution of a man linked to the January protests—an issue President Trump previously labelled a “red line.”
- Senior Commander Ali Abdollahi: “Tehran has the upper hand militarily… we will not allow Donald Trump to create false narratives over the situation on the ground.”
6 questions · No time limit · One attempt per question
Q 1 of 6
Who led Iran’s delegation in the first round of Islamabad talks?
Qalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator, led the Iranian side in the first round held on April 11–12 in Islamabad.
Q 2 of 6
What did Trump say about renewing the ceasefire before it expires Wednesday?
Trump said he’s “highly unlikely” to renew the ceasefire, adding he was “in no rush” to end the conflict with Iran.
Q 3 of 6
Who is leading the US delegation to the second round of Islamabad talks?
US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American negotiating team to Islamabad for the second round of talks.
Q 4 of 6
How many people have been killed in Iran since the war started?
At least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran since the war began. The figure 2,290+ refers to deaths in Lebanon, not Iran.
Q 5 of 6
What did Chinese President Xi Jinping call for on Monday?
Xi Jinping called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. China also pressed Iran to attend talks and voiced support for Pakistan’s mediation role.
Q 6 of 6
According to the IEA chief, how much jet fuel supply does Europe have remaining?
The IEA head warned that Europe has “maybe six weeks” of jet fuel supplies remaining due to the war’s disruption of Middle East energy flows.
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