Islamabad is under strict lockdown as Pakistan's capital prepares to host high-stakes negotiations between Iran and the US on Saturday, amid warnings from President Donald Trump that fresh strikes could follow if talks fail. The talks, seen as a make-or-break opportunity to end the devastating Middle East war, are overshadowed by continued Israeli bombardment of Lebanon and disputes over the terms of the ceasefire.
Pakistani officials insist the negotiations will proceed as planned, despite the precarious state of the ceasefire. Iran's deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, claimed that Pakistan has intervened behind the scenes to prevent Iranian retaliation against Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Security has been heavily reinforced across the capital, with army personnel and paramilitary rangers deployed, and a public holiday declared on Thursday and Friday.
The US delegation will be led by Vice-President JD Vance, alongside special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran's team includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, both involved in earlier ceasefire talks, as well as senior figures from the Revolutionary Guard. Due to security risks, multiple venues are being considered, with the Serena hotel—cleared of guests and surrounded by a 3km army-controlled cordon—as a likely location.
Trump warned that US warships are being reloaded with weaponry to strike Iran if the talks fail, while Vance cautioned Iran against trying to 'play' the US. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied any ceasefire in Lebanon, as fresh Israeli strikes continued. The IMF has warned of lowered global growth forecasts due to the war, with managing director Kristalina Georgieva citing 'scarring effects' even under the best-case scenario.
