Saturday 11 / April / 2026
The Pakistani capital Islamabad, situated at the foothills of the serene Margallah mountain range, is no stranger to high-level diplomacy, but this weekend the city feels different as the world is watching thetalks between US and Iranian delegations. Their meeting comes after more than a month of war between the US and its ally Israel on one side and Iran on the other.
Large convoys of black SUVs sweep through unusually quiet streets as the city is on high alert. Police and military checkpoints have multiplied across major arteries. Paramilitary rangers stand watch outside government buildings, their presence a visible reminder that the stakes are high as officials from the warring parties gather in Pakistan for the highly sensitive talk
US-Iran talks expected to start on Saturday
Authorities have placed parts of the capital on high alert, tightening security around the Red Zone, Islamabad's heavily guarded diplomatic and government district.
Iranian officials and the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance are expected to reach Islamabad on Friday, while talks are likely to be held starting on Saturday.
Several roads have been sealed, schools in nearby sectors have shifted to remote learning, and government offices in key areas have announced temporary closures to ease movement restrictions.
"It feels like the city is holding its breath," said Fatima Ali, who works at a private hospital near Constitution Avenue, where government buildings are situated. "We have been told that Thursday and Friday are holidays. Security convoys are everywhere."
In focus: deescalation and Strait of Hormuz
According to reports, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, are expected to be involved in the discussions, although the final list of attendees has not been formally confirmed.
The agenda is equally fluid, but regional de-escalation; maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and broader tensions between Washington and Tehran are expected to dominate the talks.
A Pakistani official who wanted to remain anonymous and who's engaged in the preparations told DW, "We want the discussions to go swiftly. We are seriously engaged with both parties and don't want to spoil the talks. We are facilitators and mediators and wish to reach a peaceful resolution. It's up to Iranand the USto share any developments or announcements about the talks."
