Trump Sends Kushner & Witkoff to Islamabad as Ceasefire Expires in 2 Days; Iran Blocks 2 Tankers

With the US-Iran ceasefire set to expire April 21, President Trump dispatched senior envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Islamabad on April 19 for a second round of negotiations scheduled to begin Monday April 20. Iran simultaneously blocked two foreign tankers from transiting the Strait of Hormuz on April 19, citing the continued US naval blockade of its ports as a ceasefire violation. Iranian President Pezeshkian publicly criticized Trump while defending Iran's nuclear rights, though Iranian officials told The National that 'progress had been made' in diplomatic channels. Turkey's foreign minister called for an extension of the ceasefire, warning that renewed hostilities would have devastating regional consequences. Iran also arrested two foreign nationals accused of attempting to smuggle Starlink satellite internet equipment into the country in violation of US sanctions. Iran separately announced it was accelerating upgrades to its missile and drone launcher infrastructure. Trump told reporters he believed a deal was still possible before Wednesday, but warned the US would 'have to start dropping bombs again' without one.