Pakistan Ramps Up Security for High-Stakes US-Iran Talks in Islamabad

Foolproof Security in Place for Dignitaries, Interior Minister Tells US Envoy

ISLAMABAD: With the world watching, Pakistan is positioning itself as a key diplomatic hub, as Islamabad prepares to host critical US-Iran talks on April 10 aimed at securing a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has claimed lives and destabilised the region.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured US Ambassador Natalie Baker of “foolproof security” for all foreign delegations, highlighting the country’s meticulous preparations ahead of the high-stakes negotiations.

The talks, scheduled to begin Saturday, follow a two-week ceasefire announced between Tehran and Washington after weeks of escalating hostilities sparked by the February 28 assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The temporary truce, brokered through Pakistan’s diplomatic channels, has created a fragile window for dialogue aimed at de-escalation.

Both Tehran and Washington have expressed commitment to the negotiations, signalling a cautious but significant step toward lasting peace.

During a meeting with Ambassador Baker, Interior Minister said that a “comprehensive plan” has been prepared to provide foolproof security to foreign dignitaries arriving in Islamabad for the US-Iran talks.

Naqvi assured her of the security arrangements, stating that the US Vice President JD Vance, US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner were “our special guests,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior.

“A comprehensive plan has been prepared to provide foolproof security to all foreign guests in every respect,” the minister said.

The US envoy appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role during the meeting. Authorities in Islamabad have announced two local holidays for Thursday and Friday, deployed heightened security around the Red Zone, and reserved the famous Serena Hotel for the delegations. Traffic diversions and road closures have been implemented across the city to ensure smooth movement of the visiting teams, while all emergency services and hospitals remain on high alert.

A 30-member US advance team has already arrived in Islamabad to review security arrangements. Pakistani officials have also held multiple strategy meetings with law enforcement agencies to secure the capital and ensure adherence to VVIP protocols during the talks.

Pakistan’s role as mediator extends beyond security. Since the onset of the conflict, Islamabad has maintained back-channel communication between Tehran and Washington, coordinated with key regional players, and worked with Beijing on a framework for de-escalation, including ceasefire enforcement and protection of critical infrastructure.