Islamabad bolstered visible security on Sunday ahead of renewed US–Iran peace talks, with road closures and checkpoints established across the capital and neighbouring Rawalpindi. President Donald Trump said US negotiators would arrive Monday to resume discussions after April 11 talks ended without agreement. AFP journalists observed armed guards, barricades and closures near the Marriott and Serena hotels, where previous talks were held. Officials urged residents to cooperate with security measures put in place to protect delegations and the public.
Islamabad on Alert: Security Tightened Ahead of Renewed US–Iran Talks
Security in Pakistan's capital Islamabad was being visibly stepped up ahead of peace talks between the United States and Iran to end the Middle East war in the coming days (Aamir QURESHI)(Aamir QURESHI/AFP/AFP)
Security in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, was visibly stepped up on Sunday as authorities prepared for renewed peace negotiations between the United States and Iran.
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that US negotiators would arrive in Pakistan on Monday to resume talks aimed at ending the war with Iran, following a prior round of face-to-face meetings in Islamabad on April 11 that ended without agreement.
Heightened Measures Across The City
Officials imposed road closures and traffic restrictions across Islamabad and in neighbouring Rawalpindi to control movement around venues hosting the talks. AFP journalists reported increased protection at the city’s most secure hotels, including the Marriott and the Serena, where the earlier discussions took place.
Most streets leading to the Serena Hotel were closed on Sunday, with barbed wire, barricades and checkpoints established along diversion routes. Armed guards were deployed at key access points, and visible security measures were reinforced around other likely meeting sites.
Public Appeal
A city official urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, posting:
"Citizens are earnestly requested to cooperate with the security agencies."
Authorities said the restrictions were precautionary and intended to ensure the safety of delegations and the public during the negotiations. Further updates are expected as delegations arrive and talks progress.
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