Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam posted on X that Iran “will Not negotiate under Threat and Force” as U.S. and Iranian representatives prepared for a new round of expected peace talks in Islamabad.
A photo shows a police officer walking past billboards near the Serena Hotel ahead of the second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Anjum Naveed/AP)
Apr 20, 2026, 10:08 PM EDT
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News the U.S. and Iran are on the “brink” of securing a deal, praising President Trump’s “hard-line negotiating style” and saying he “does not bluff.” She credited military success and negotiating posture for bringing Iran to the table. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” and warned Iran has prepared to “reveal new cards on the battlefield.” — ABC News’ Emily Chang
Apr 20, 2026, 3:06 PM EDT
President Donald Trump posted that the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will remain until a deal is reached, calling the blockade “absolutely destroying Iran” and saying the closure has forced ships to seek U.S. ports for oil. — ABC News’ Emily Chang
Apr 20, 2026, 3:05 PM EDT
At least 415 U.S. troops have been wounded in the war with Iran, Defense Department data show, up from 399 last week. The increase during the ceasefire is tied to delayed reporting of injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries whose symptoms can appear days later. — ABC News’ Steven Beynon