BlockBeats News, April 20th: Over the past 24 hours, Trump has made multiple positive statements regarding the US-Iran situation, but most of the news was contradicted by the Iranian side after the official announcements. Trump first stated that a US representative would arrive in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on the evening of April 20th (Eastern Time) to participate in the US-Iran negotiations scheduled for April 21st. However, Iran later refused to participate in the second round of talks, stating that the news of a “second talk” between Iran and the US was not true, and the current prospects for negotiations are uncertain. This morning, the US military attacked an Iranian commercial ship, forcing it to turn back. Trump stated that the US Marine Corps has taken control of Iranian vessels attempting to break the US blockade. Iran, on the other hand, stated that it is prepared for a resurgence of hostilities and if fighting resumes, it will lead the enemy to experience an unforgettable “moment of hell.” Here is a summary of the recent developments in the US-Iran conflict:
Iran:
Iranian Parliament Speaker: Iran is prepared for both diplomatic and military confrontations.
Iran’s Mashhad Airport will resume international passenger flights.
Iranian President: Trump has no justification to deprive Iran of its nuclear rights.
Iranian Parliament Speaker: Risk of renewed conflict during US-Iran negotiations. War could restart at any time.
According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency: Iran has arrested four individuals, including two foreign nationals, on suspicion of involvement in a “spy network.”
Iran’s Vice President stated that the US position is “unpredictable,” emphasizing the critical importance of controlling the strait.
United States:
USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier returned to the Middle East after a brief maintenance.
Latest polls: Over 60% of Americans oppose expanding military action against Iran.
Trump: There is an ongoing conflict between moderates and hardliners within Iran. Iran has agreed to many terms of the agreement.
Israel:
Israel’s Broadcasting Authority cited insiders as saying that Israel is preparing for the possibility of further escalation of the Iran conflict.
According to Al Jazeera: Israel’s Defense Minister stated that despite the ceasefire, if the troops face any threat, the Israeli military has been instructed to go “all out” in Lebanon.
Hormuz Strait:
UAE officials have called for a full and unconditional reopening of the strait.
No ship passed through the Hormuz Strait on the 19th.
Iran blocked two oil tankers from passing through the Hormuz Strait.
Iran claims that it and its strategic partner control the security of the Hormuz Strait.
German Defense Minister: The German Navy is preparing for a possible deployment in the Hormuz Strait.
Iran plans to introduce a law governing the Hormuz Strait, prohibiting vessels associated with Israel from passing through.
The US military attacked an Iranian commercial ship, forcing it to turn back. Trump: The US Marine Corps has taken control of Iranian vessels attempting to break the US blockade.
US Central Command confirms interception of Touska cargo vessel.
Iranian Parliament Member: US must accept new order in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ceasefire Negotiations
US military transport plane lands at Pakistani airbase and returns after refueling.
Islamabad’s security tightened as aircraft carrying US personnel arrives in Pakistan.
Turkish Foreign Minister expresses willingness for continued talks between US and Iran.
Trump announces US-Iran talks to be held in Islamabad on the 20th, media reports conflicting information on whether Vance will participate in US-Iran talks.
According to ABC News: Trump accuses Iran of serious violation of ceasefire agreement; still believes a peace agreement can be reached with Iran.
Trump describes the proposed deal as “very fair and reasonable,” hoping Iran will accept it; otherwise, US military will bomb Iran’s power plants and bridges.
Iran currently has not decided to send a negotiation delegation, stating they will not negotiate as long as there is a maritime blockade.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister: We will never hand over enriched uranium to the US. We exchanged information with the US, but they insisted on excessive demands.
US Media: US claims Vance will lead a delegation to Islamabad to restart talks, Iran suspects it is a “cover for an attack.”
Iranian media: Iran refuses to participate in a second round of talks with the US, US-Iran “second talk” news is false, and the prospect of negotiations is unclear.
