Lead
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has placed its capital on high alert and deployed thousands of security personnel as it prepares to host direct talks between the United States and Iran, a diplomatic effort brokered by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following a two-week ceasefire.
The negotiations, scheduled to begin on April 10 in Islamabad, follow a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump on April 7, which he described as a "double-sided" two-week truce with Iran. According to reports from Russian state news agency TASS, the agreement was conditional on Iran agreeing to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's 10-point proposal was described by Trump as "a workable basis on which to negotiate." Tehran, in turn, agreed to cease retaliatory strikes if it was no longer attacked.
Coverage comparison
Coverage of the talks has focused on the unprecedented security preparations in the Pakistani capital, with multiple outlets reporting that the city's Red Zone — home to government buildings and diplomatic missions — has been placed under military protection. The Jerusalem Post, citing security sources, reported that a US Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying an advance security and tactical team landed at Nur Khan Air Base on Thursday afternoon, while TASS, citing Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, said a 30-member advance US team had already arrived in Islamabad to review security arrangements.
Both the Jerusalem Post and TASS reported that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited both sides to Islamabad for face-to-face discussions aimed at reaching a permanent agreement. The Jerusalem Post noted that both the United States and Iran have confirmed their delegations will participate in the talks hosted by Pakistan.
Key claims
According to the Jerusalem Post, the US delegation for the talks includes Vice President JD Vance, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. Iran's delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as confirmed by Iran's deputy foreign minister, the report said.
TASS reported that over 10,000 security personnel have been deployed to Islamabad as part of multi-tier security arrangements supervised by the military and assisted by paramilitary forces, including rangers and police. The army and rangers will ensure the protection of the Red Zone, with all entry points closed. Separate routes have been selected for the movement of the visiting delegations, and protection teams accompanying high-ranking officials will not be allowed any kind of gadgets, including mobile phones and digital watches, according to the Dawn newspaper.
The Jerusalem Post also reported that the federal capital administration declared a two-day public holiday on Thursday and Friday, and that law enforcement presence, including police and Rangers, has been heightened citywide.
Perspectives
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the US ambassador to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, that "a comprehensive plan has been prepared to provide foolproof security to all foreign guests in every respect," according to the Dawn newspaper, as reported by TASS.
The talks represent a significant diplomatic role for Pakistan, which has acted as mediator between the two nations. The ceasefire, brokered with Pakistan's involvement, comes amid heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear program and US sanctions, though direct negotiations have been rare in recent years.
Both sides have confirmed participation, but details of the agenda have not been publicly disclosed. The outcome of the talks could have implications for regional stability, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.