An advance delegation from the United States has arrived in Islamabad as Pakistan prepares to host a second round of talks between Washington and Iran, official sources said on Sunday.
Additional advance teams from foreign delegations are also expected, with high-level negotiations reportedly scheduled for next week.
Authorities have imposed strict security measures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including the closure of the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone to all traffic. Islamabad police said the restrictions would remain in place until further notice due to the arrival of foreign delegations, advising citizens to use alternative routes.
District administrations in both cities have also suspended public, private, and goods transport services. Officials did not specify the duration of the suspension but urged residents to cooperate with security agencies.
Security has been significantly enhanced in Rawalpindi, where more than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed and over 600 checkpoints established. Elite Commandos, snipers, and rapid response units are conducting patrols, while intelligence-based operations and surveillance through Safe City systems have been intensified.
The measures follow earlier talks hosted by Pakistan after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif facilitated a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8. Initial negotiations were held in Islamabad but did not yield a final agreement.
The ongoing diplomatic effort comes amid a wider regional conflict that began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The situation escalated with retaliatory Iranian actions, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan has continued diplomatic engagement to ease tensions, including outreach led by military and political leadership. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said negotiations have made some progress but remain far from a final agreement, citing unresolved issues.
US President Donald Trump also acknowledged ongoing discussions, describing them as positive while cautioning Iran against applying pressure in negotiations.
Authorities said further updates on the talks and security arrangements will be issued as preparations continue.