Conflicting reports over US-Iranian peace talks

President Trump says a US delegation is on its way to Pakistan for the next round of talks with Iran, though it remains unclear whether Iranian officials will attend. We bring analysis from our correspondent in Washington, along with reporters from BBC Persian and BBC Urdu.

After the US seized an Iranian cargo ship attempting to breach its blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, we speak to two maritime analysts about how international maritime law governs actions on the high seas.

The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, says he would not have appointed Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US had he known Lord Mandelson failed the security‑vetting process. Mandelson was later sacked after details emerged of his relationship with the convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Our political correspondent has the latest.

And we hear from our reporter who has been analysing market data amid allegations of insider trading linked to President Trump’s actions during the Iran crisis.

Presenter: Rahul Tandon.

(Photo: Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Musandam, Oman, April 20, 2026. Credit: Reuters)