This browser does not support the Video element.
With just days to go before the ceasefire is set to expire, U.S. negotiators are heading to Pakistan on Monday to work on another round of talks with Iran, President Donald Trump announced over the weekend.
However, as of Sunday night, Iran had not officially indicated whether its representatives would be going. Iranian state media, citing only unnamed sources, suggested that talks may not happen.
Meanwhile, tensions continued to mount off the Iranian coast as the U.S. enforces its naval blockade. On Sunday, U.S. Central Command released video footage of the destroyer USS Spruance issuing multiple warnings to, and then firing on an Iranian-flagged vessel, before boarding the ship and seizing it.
The incident was the first such interception since the blockade went into effect last week. Iran’s president criticized the U.S. blockade, describing it as provocative and illegal.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts U.S. blockade operations in the Arabian Sea, April 16. The ship's embarked carrier air wing includes eight F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control …
Here is the latest for Monday:
Trump denies Israel manipulation
10:20 a.m. ET: President Trump posted on Truth Social, denying criticism that Israel talked him into war with Iran.
"Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON," Trump posted.
Trump via Truth Social
Vance and US delegation headed to Islamabad
9:22 a.m. ET: President Trump said Vice-President Vance, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are headed to Islamabad "right now" and should be there tonight.
Trump spoke with the New York Post about an update on the negotiations with Iran.
At this point, there is still no commitment from Iran on resuming talks with the U.S. in Islamabad.
Iran puts their death toll at over 3300
6:35 a.m. ET: Head of Iran's Legal Medicine Organization, Abbas Masjedi, said at least 3,375 people have been killed in the war between the United States and Israel.
The forensic medicine chief did not break down casualties between civilian and security forces, but only released that it was 2,875 men, 496 women and 383 children under 18.
Pakistan prepares to host talks
6:20 a.m. ET: Despite uncertainty about if it'll take place, Pakistani officials are preparing to host a second round of talks between the United States and Iran.
Security in the capital city of Islamabad is increasing, and several roads are closed in preparation.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press. This story was reported from Orlando.