Big Take Podcast

Iran Tensions Flare Again: What’s Next for Negotiations?

The US and Iran are still at odds over the future of Tehran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz. What that friction could mean for peace talks and a looming ceasefire deadline.

Security personnel stand guard at a security check post along a road temporarily closed near the Serena Hotel at the Red Zone area in Islamabad on April 20.Photographer: AAMIR QURESHI/AFP

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By Stacey Vanek Smith, Rachael Lewis-Krisky, and David Fox

April 20, 2026 at 9:49 PM UTC

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President Trump said Monday the US will not be rushed into a “bad deal" with Iran. But he also said he was unlikely to extend the ceasefire that expires Wednesday. Meanwhile, the two sides seemed to disagree on whether they’d resume negotiations to end the conflict this week.