Islamabad Red Zone sealed ahead of possible US-Iran talks

Pakistan’s high-security Red Zone in the capital will remain completely sealed on Thursday as authorities continue preparations for anticipated U.S.-Iran negotiations.

The area has been under lockdown for four consecutive days, with strict movement restrictions around key government installations. All government offices in the zone have remained closed, and officials have again been directed to work from home through the end of the workweek.

The measures reflect efforts to ensure security and smooth arrangements during sensitive diplomatic developments. Similar restrictions were imposed during an earlier round of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad this month, some of which were never fully lifted.

That round ended without agreement, but U.S. President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire on Wednesday as diplomacy intensified to end the Middle East war that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

Major roads have been closed in recent days to facilitate the arrival of foreign delegations and U.S. cargo planes delivering equipment.

Residents of Islamabad are accustomed to such disruptions due to past militant attacks, political protests and visits by foreign leaders.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said fresh peace talks with Iran could be possible as soon as Friday, while Pakistani sources said mediation efforts had raised hopes for another round of negotiations within 36 to 72 hours.

Asked by The New York Post about a possible breakthrough, Trump said in a text message: “It’s possible! President DJT.”

Pakistani officials said diplomatic outreach continued after Trump announced he would extend the ceasefire while awaiting what he described as a unified proposal from Tehran.

“The ceasefire is holding despite heightened rhetoric, indicating positive intent on both sides,” a Pakistani source said. “No military escalation from either side.”

The source added that Pakistan remained a key mediator.

On Tuesday, Trump said he had directed the U.S. military to maintain a blockade and remain ready while extending the ceasefire until Iran submits a proposal and talks conclude.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the pause followed requests from Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured ... and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran,” Trump wrote.

He said U.S. forces would maintain the blockade of Iranian ports while awaiting further diplomatic developments.

Sharif thanked Trump for extending the ceasefire, while United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the move.

Tensions, however, remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday they had seized two container ships attempting to cross the blockaded waterway, identifying them as the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberia-flagged Epaminodas.

UK-based maritime security monitors reported incidents involving gunboats targeting three commercial vessels in the strait.

Britain’s defense ministry said it would host two days of UK-France-led talks involving more than 30 countries starting Wednesday to address security in the waterway.

A White House official said Vice President JD Vance would not travel to Pakistan for a new round of talks, pending an Iranian proposal. Iran has not confirmed whether it will send a delegation.

Elsewhere, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon showed signs of strain. Lebanese state media reported one person killed and two wounded in an Israeli strike on Wednesday.

Hezbollah said it launched rockets and drones at northern Israel in response to what it called “blatant” ceasefire violations, including attacks on civilians.

The Israeli military said Hezbollah fired several rockets toward troops in south Lebanon and that it struck the launcher in response.

A U.S. State Department official said Israel and Lebanon would hold fresh talks in Washington on Thursday.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks since the start of the conflict have killed at least 2,454 people.