Pakistan prepares to host high-stakes US–Iran talks

• Pakistan prepares to host high-stakes US–Iran talks amid heavy security lockdown.

Pakistan is preparing to host a new round of critical negotiations between the United States and Iran, as the country takes on a key mediating role in efforts to defuse escalating regional tensions.

According to Reuters, citing Pakistani security sources, two large U.S. C-17 transport aircraft landed in Pakistan on Sunday carrying security equipment and specialized vehicles ahead of the expected arrival of U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Monday.

Capital placed under strict security measures

Authorities have imposed tight security measures across the capital, suspending public transport and restricting the entry of heavy vehicles. The Serena Hotel, believed to be the venue for the talks, has been heavily fortified with barbed wire, while guests were reportedly asked to leave as elite security units and police were deployed around the Green Zone.

Despite the extensive preparations, uncertainty remains over the prospects of the talks. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid continued U.S. maritime pressure on Iranian ports, while exchanges of threats between the two sides have intensified in recent days.

Observers say the ongoing escalation could complicate efforts to bring both parties to the negotiating table, placing Pakistan’s mediation role under significant pressure as concerns grow over the risk of broader conflict.