This episode unpacks the U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad and the prospect of a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Host:

James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

Guest:

Elliott Abrams, Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, CFR

We Discuss:

What transpired during the U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad.
Whether both sides abandoned their own preconditions before talks began.
How unusually senior and small the negotiating delegations were.
What the logic and mechanics of the U.S. naval blockade are.
Why other countries have not joined the blockade and may resist it.
What the Arab Gulf states are privately urging Washington to do.
Whether Israel and the U.S. share the same goals regarding the Iranian regime.

Mentioned on the Episode:

Vice President JD Vance Delivers Remarks in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 11, 2026

Harry Sekulich and Kate Whannel, "Starmer Says UK Will Not Join Trump's Blockade of Iran's Ports," BBC

Defense Technical Information Agency, "Iran: Nuclear Intentions and Capabilities," October 1, 2007

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/what-comes-next-after-failed-us-iran-talks

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

What Comes Next After Failed U.S.-Iran Talks, With Elliott Abrams