Negotiations in the Middle East: Diplomatic outcome remains uncertain between the United States and Iran

Published on April 19, 2026 at 8:33 PM

With three days left in the ceasefire, will Americans and Iranians meet in Pakistan? Donald Trump announced on Sunday, April 19, a second round of negotiations. However, the diplomatic path seems fragile in the face of threats to the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iranian television, the image of the Strait of Hormuz is completely locked down by Iran. Tankers are at a standstill. No ships dare to cross after shots fired on Saturday, April 18. A French ship was even targeted, announced Donald Trump on Sunday, April 19. “Iran decided to open fire in the Strait of Hormuz… Many shots targeted a French ship and a British cargo ship,” wrote the US President on social media.

A convoy of four containers from the French shipping company CMA-CGM attempted to cross the strait on Saturday, April 18, in the morning when it suddenly turned around. Iranian shots were reported in the area.

Is the Strait of Hormuz becoming the site of an intense naval battle? According to the American press, the United States are now considering an unprecedented operation: the seizure of ships linked to Iran in all oceans.

Each side is deploying its forces. On one side, the US military has been present at the exit of the strait for several days to repel ships coming from Iranian ports. On the other side, Iran mobilizes its mosquito fleet, small fast boats equipped with machine guns, rocket launchers, or drones. Tehran is said to have over a thousand of them.

Nevertheless, Donald Trump is holding onto the diplomatic channel and announces the sending of an American delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance on Monday, April 20, to resume negotiations. Iran denied this on Sunday, with its leaders silent since Saturday. “Some issues have been resolved, others have not. There have been other proposals, but we are still far from a final agreement,” said the president of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Baher Ghalibaf. The diplomatic outcome is still very uncertain with three days left in the ceasefire.