An advance team from the United States has arrived in Islamabad as preparations intensify for a possible second round of talks between Washington and Iran, according to sources.
The development comes amid heightened security measures in the federal capital, where authorities have sealed off key areas and suspended transport services.
Foreign Delegations Begin Arriving
Sources said advance teams from multiple foreign delegations have started arriving in Pakistan ahead of the expected diplomatic engagement.
While reports suggest that Islamabad may host the next phase of negotiations, there has been no official confirmation from Pakistan, Iran, or the United States regarding the timing or agenda of the talks.
Red Zone Completely Closed
Islamabad police announced that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone have been fully closed to all traffic until further notice due to the arrival of foreign delegations.
Citizens have been advised to use alternate routes and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth traffic flow and security arrangements.
Transport Suspended in Twin Cities
In a parallel move, the district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi suspended all public, private, and goods transport services with immediate effect.
The Islamabad Deputy Commissioner ordered the suspension of heavy and public transport until further instructions, while urging citizens to cooperate with security agencies.
Similar restrictions were imposed in Rawalpindi, with officials stating that further updates will be issued as the situation develops.
Massive Security Deployment
Security has been significantly strengthened across Rawalpindi following directives from City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani.
According to official reports, more than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city, supported by over 600 checkpoints at key entry and exit points.
Specialized units, including Elite Commandos, snipers, Elite Force, Dolphin Force, and rapid response teams, are actively patrolling sensitive areas.
Surveillance and Intelligence Operations
Authorities have also intensified search, sweep, combing, and intelligence-based operations across the region.
Modern surveillance systems, including Safe City cameras and CCTV networks, are being used for continuous monitoring of sensitive locations, government buildings, and residential areas.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi Suspend Transport Amid Heightened Security Ahead of Possible US-Iran Talks
Background: Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
The heightened security comes as Pakistan continues its role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran following earlier ceasefire efforts brokered in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously invited both sides to Islamabad for talks after helping secure a temporary ceasefire earlier this year.
The earlier round of discussions marked one of the most significant diplomatic engagements between the two countries in over a decade.
Regional Tensions Continue
The broader Middle East situation remains fragile, with tensions previously escalating following joint military actions involving the United States and Israel, and subsequent retaliatory developments across the region.
Key issues such as maritime security, sanctions, and nuclear-related concerns continue to dominate discussions between the two sides.
Uncertainty Over Final Agreement
Despite reports of progress, officials on both sides have acknowledged that significant differences remain.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recently stated that while some progress has been made, major gaps still exist in negotiations.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has described ongoing discussions as “very good,” while also warning against what he termed attempts to pressure Washington.
Situation Remains Fluid
With no official confirmation of a final schedule, Islamabad remains on high alert as diplomatic and security developments continue to unfold.
Authorities say further decisions will depend on evolving arrangements between the concerned parties.
