Islamabad Turns Into Fortress Ahead of Crucial US-Iran Peace Talks

Amid a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, global attention has shifted to Islamabad, where high-stakes talks between United States and Iran are set to begin today. The Pakistani capital has been transformed into a heavily fortified zone to host this crucial diplomatic engagement. Security has been significantly intensified across the city, with armed personnel deployed at key locations. The highly sensitive “Red Zone,” which houses Parliament, major government institutions, luxury hotels, embassies, and foreign offices, has been completely secured. Civilian movement in the area has been restricted, and several roads have been closed to regular traffic. Multiple checkpoints have been established, and traffic routes have been diverted to ensure smooth movement of foreign delegations. To minimize public activity, authorities have declared public holidays in the national capital on Thursday and Friday. As a result, most schools and markets remain closed, leaving streets largely deserted. According to reports, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured the US ambassador of foolproof security for the American delegation. Security arrangements extend beyond land, with extensive aerial surveillance also in place. The Pakistan Air Force has reportedly deployed IL-78 refueling tankers and C-130 aircraft to ensure secure air protocols. Pakistani fighter jets were also seen near Iran’s Bandar Abbas to escort the Iranian delegation. Defense experts indicate that an AWACS platform has been deployed to create an aerial security shield, aimed at preventing any potential Israeli attack during the delegation’s transit. The Pakistani government has facilitated visa-on-arrival for all participants involved in the talks. According to official documents from the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, all delegates, including journalists, will be granted visas upon arrival. Special facilitation desks have also been set up at airports. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that entry procedures have been simplified to ensure the smooth conduct of the negotiations. Meanwhile, tensions remain evident ahead of the talks. Donald Trump has issued a stern warning, stating that armed aircraft could be deployed if Iran does not comply. On the other side, the aircraft carrying Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf reportedly included images and belongings of schoolchildren killed in the February 28 US-Israel attacks, reflecting the emotional weight behind Iran’s stance. Iran has also laid down certain conditions for the talks, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of its seized assets. At the same time, US Vice President JD Vance, who is present in Islamabad, has cautioned Iran against any form of manipulation during the negotiations. The Iranian delegation has already arrived in Pakistan, while the US delegation, led by the Vice President, is expected shortly. Formal discussions are set to begin thereafter, with the world closely watching how Pakistan manages this critical mediation between the two longstanding adversaries.