politics
Trump Says Iran Faces Military Action Without Deal in Pakistan Talks
President Trump stated that Iran should expect bombing if negotiations in Pakistan fail, amid ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz blockade. U.S. forces boarded another sanctioned vessel in the Indo-Pacific region. Iran reported one of its tankers successfully transited despite the blockade, as preparations continue for talks in Islamabad.
Apr 21, 8:46 AM·2m read2 sources
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### Preparations for Pakistan Talks
Pakistan is set to host talks on Wednesday, with mediators confirming arrivals of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials at dawn. Iran informed regional mediators it would send a delegation, though its foreign ministry had previously stated there were no plans for a second round.
The U.S. delegation includes members such as Kushner and Witkoff. Al Jazeera reported a diplomatic standoff, with neither side wanting to arrive first without commitment from the other. Bloomberg noted Iran's state-run TV denied reports of a delegation departing.
The White House has not specified when Vance will leave Washington.
### U.S. Naval Actions
U.S. forces conducted a boarding of the stateless sanctioned vessel M/T Tifani in the Indo-Pacific region overnight, according to a Department of War post. The operation occurred without incident as part of efforts to disrupt networks supporting Iran.
This follows a previous incident where a U.S. warship fired on an Iranian-flagged vessel attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. A CENTCOM post stated that international waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels and that enforcement will continue globally.
Washington announced readiness to seize Iran-linked vessels on the high seas.
### Iranian Tanker Transit and Ceasefire Status
