Iran-US to hold talks in Islamabad, Pakistanis on 'lockdown'
The second round of US-Iran peace talks is set to take place in Islamabad. Photo: AFP
Pakistan has enforced stringent security measures in the capital, Islamabad, and the military headquarters in Rawalpindi ahead of the scheduled second round of peace talks between Iran and the United States.
Under these circumstances, authorities have enforced an unofficial lockdown, effectively confining residents near the airbase to their homes.
In a late-night announcement on the social media platform Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the discussions would take place in Islamabad on Monday or Tuesday.
Citing Reuters, the news outlet Dawn reported that two massive US C-17 cargo planes carrying security equipment and vehicles landed at Nur Khan Airbase on Sunday afternoon in preparation for the arrival of the American delegation.
"My representatives are heading to Islamabad, Pakistan; they will arrive there tomorrow evening for talks," President Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday.
However, it remains unclear who will lead the American delegation.
In the first round of talks, held at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, the US delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance. Although the marathon discussions lasted 21 hours, no resolution was reached. These talks are aimed at making the temporary ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, mediated by Pakistan, permanent.
Previously, on April 8, Iran and the United States agreed to a two-week ceasefire following 40 days of conflict. This truce is set to expire this ensuing Wednesday.
