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Security measures for the US-Iran talks have been relaxed in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Most highways in the federal capital have been reopened, except for those within the Red Zone, where restrictions remain in place.
In Rawalpindi, the district administration has also restored services at bus terminals located on Peshawar Road that had previously been closed due to security concerns.
On the other hand, the capital has still been placed under tight security as it prepares to host the second round of Iran-US talks. More than 18,000 security personnel, including police, have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order during the negotiations.
Red Zone sealed off
Entry to Islamabad’s highly sensitive Red Zone has been completely closed as part of the security plan. The restrictions are aimed at preventing any disruption while ensuring the safety of visiting delegations and officials.
Also Read: Trump warns Iran ceasefire ending, threatens force if no deal
Educational institutions and government offices located within the Red Zone have remained closed for the day. The Islamabad deputy commissioner has also directed institutions and offices to operate under work-from-home arrangements where possible.
Judicial activities suspended
Judicial proceedings have also been affected due to the security situation. Both the Islamabad High Court and the Federal Constitutional Court have suspended judicial work for the day.
This marks another significant moment as Pakistan hosts a fresh round of dialogue between Iran and the United States. The high-level talks come amid ongoing regional tensions, with Islamabad playing a key role as a neutral venue for diplomatic engagement.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising again as US President Donald Trump warned that the ceasefire with Iran could end within days. With negotiations hanging in the balance, Washington is pushing for a swift deal while warning of serious consequences if talks fail.
Also Read: Iran rejects talks under US pressure, warns of new battle moves
Trump said the two-week ceasefire, announced on April 7, will expire on Wednesday evening Washington time. He made it clear that the chances of extending the truce are “highly unlikely” if no agreement is reached before the deadline, increasing urgency for ongoing negotiations.
The US president issued stark warnings, saying that if talks collapse, “lots of bombs will start going off.”
He further threatened that Iran would face severe consequences and even claimed he could “blow up every single power plant and bridge in Iran” if no deal is signed.
On the other hand, Iran has taken a firm stance ahead of potential talks with the United States, rejecting negotiations under pressure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made it clear that Tehran will not engage in negotiations “under the shadow of threats.”
Also Read: Pakistan looks to secure Iran's participation in Islamabad Talks
He stressed that any dialogue with the United States must be conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect, adding that pressure tactics are major obstacles to meaningful negotiations.
Separately, Iranian Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf echoed the same stance in a social media statement.
He said Iran would not accept talks conducted under threats and accused US President Donald Trump of trying to turn negotiations into a “surrender table.”
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