Ahmedabad Times

In the meantime, earlier within the day Ghalibaf stated in a submit on X that “We don’t settle for negotiations beneath the shadow of threats,” including that the Islamic Republic was making ready “to disclose new playing cards on the battlefield.”

By implementing the blockade and violating the ceasefire, Trump desires to show this negotiation desk right into a desk of give up or to justify a renewed battle.
We don’t settle for negotiations beneath the shadow of threats, and within the final two weeks we now have ready to face new playing cards on the battlefield.

— Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 20, 2026

Ghalibaf’s submit comes simply barely days after Trump took to Reality Social and wrote, “We’re providing a particularly reasonable and affordable DEAL, and I hope they take it as a result of, in the event that they don’t, the US goes to knock out each single Energy Plant, and each single Bridge, in Iran,” Trump posted on social media. “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!”

Trump indicated he nonetheless expects to ship a negotiating crew led by US Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad, whilst Iran insisted it will not take part except Washington eases its calls for. Trump additionally stated he’s “extremely unlikely” to resume the ceasefire earlier than it expires Wednesday.

In keeping with an Related Press report, the battle has resulted in important casualties. At the least 3,375 folks have been killed in Iran and greater than 2,290 in Lebanon. Moreover, 23 folks have died in Israel and greater than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Fifteen Israeli troopers in Lebanon and 13 US service members throughout the area have additionally been killed.

Iran denies sending delegation to Islamabad

Amid the tussle, Iranian state tv issued an on-screen alert Tuesday stating that “no delegation from Iran has visited Islamabad … up to now,” amid rising hypothesis about potential talks with the US.

The report comes as Iran weighs its response to the US Navy’s seizure of an Iranian container ship over the weekend. The AP reported that no Iranian official has confirmed plans to ship a delegation to Islamabad, the place authorities have been on standby for days.

In the course of the earlier spherical of talks, Ghalibaf led the Iranian delegation. No particulars have been supplied about who would symbolize Iran in any upcoming negotiations.

‘Menace’ to Iranian negotiators

Pakistan’s air power escorted Iranian negotiators again dwelling following inconclusive talks with the US final weekend, deploying round two dozen fighter jets together with airborne surveillance methods to make sure the delegation’s security, Reuters had reported final week, citing sources.

The operation was launched after issues had been raised that Israel may try to focus on the Iranian officers throughout transit. In keeping with the Reuters report, two Pakistani sources stated the escort included Airborne Warning and Management System (AWACS) help for aerial monitoring, whereas one added that comparable safety might be prolonged for future talks if requested.