{"id":1876951,"date":"2026-04-10T17:09:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:09:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876951"},"modified":"2026-04-10T17:09:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:09:33","slug":"iran-war-islamabad-on-edge-ahead-of-us-iran-peace-talks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876951","title":{"rendered":"Iran war: Islamabad on edge ahead of US-Iran peace talks"},"content":{"rendered":"

[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76742322_6.jpg”]<\/p>\n

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https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C0Y0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
Pakistan brokered the talks but it remains unclear whether Iran and the US will find some common groundImage: Ilya Ryzhov\/ITAR-TASS\/IMAGO<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Pakistani capital Islamabad, situated at the foothills of the serene Margallah mountain range, is no stranger to high-level diplomacy, but this weekend the city feels different as the world is watching thetalks between US and Iranian delegations<\/a>. Their meeting comes after more than a month of war between the US and its ally Israel on one side and Iran<\/a> on the other.<\/p>\n

Large convoys of black SUVs sweep through unusually quiet streets as the city is on high alert. Police and military checkpoints have multiplied across major arteries.\u00a0Paramilitary rangers stand watch outside government buildings, their presence a visible reminder that the stakes are high as officials from the warring parties gather in Pakistan for the highly sensitive talks.<\/p>\n

\"Soldiers
Pakistani soldiers patrol to ensure security ahead of the US-Iran talks in IslamabadImage: Anjum Naveed\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

US-Iran talks expected to start on Saturday<\/h2>\n

Authorities have placed parts of the capital on high alert, tightening security around the Red Zone, Islamabad’s heavily guarded diplomatic and government district.<\/p>\n

Iranian officials and the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance are expected to reach Islamabad on Friday, while talks are likely to be held starting on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Several roads have been sealed, schools in nearby sectors have shifted to remote learning, and government offices in key areas have announced temporary closures to ease movement restrictions.<\/p>\n

“It feels like the city is holding its breath,”\u00a0said Fatima Ali, who works at a private hospital near Constitution Avenue, where government buildings are situated. “We have been told that Thursday and Friday are holidays. Security convoys are everywhere.”<\/p>\n

In focus: deescalation and Strait of Hormuz<\/h2>\n

According to reports, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, are expected to be involved in the discussions, although the final list of attendees has not been formally confirmed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The agenda is equally fluid, but regional de-escalation; maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz<\/a> and broader tensions between Washington and Tehran are expected to dominate the talks.<\/p>\n

\"Cargo
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through the global economyImage: Stringer\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Pakistani official who wanted to remain anonymous and who’s engaged in the preparations told DW, “We want the discussions to go swiftly. We are seriously engaged with both parties and don’t want to spoil the talks. We are facilitators and mediators and wish to reach a peaceful resolution. It’s up to Iran<\/a>and the US<\/a>to share any developments or announcements about the talks.”<\/p>\n

Pakistan takes center stage as negotiator<\/h2>\n

Analysts note that Islamabad’s hosting of the talks underscores its strategic importance at a time of mounting Middle East tensions.<\/p>\n

“Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have earned it credibility as a middle power who is showing agency as an active stakeholder in the future of the broader region,”\u00a0 Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York, told DW.<\/p>\n

“Being able to pull this off between two major adversaries and amid an environment of serious trust deficit is a major diplomatic win for a country that was up until last year seen at the peripheries in the international arena,”\u00a0Aamer said, adding that Pakistan’s “relations and understanding of Iran and its grown ties with President Trump\u2026 have helped the diplomatic outreach process at this critical moment.”<\/p>\n

\"Remnants
US and Israeli airstrikes have caused massive damage inside IranImage: Farnood\/SIPA\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Talks could \u2018pave way for broader agreement on de-escalation’<\/h2>\n

Israel and the US attacked Iran in late February, sparking a war that has killed thousands and devastated the global economy. Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor, triggering major oil and gas shortages, which led to dramatic price increases across the world.<\/p>\n

Pakistani intervention led to the parties agreeing to a two-week truce<\/a> on Tuesday night \u2014 but only after Trump had warned that a “whole civilization will die”\u00a0if Iran did not cooperate.<\/p>\n

“The Islamabad talks, I believe, could ultimately pave the way for a broader agreement on de-escalation in the coming weeks,”\u00a0Zahid Husain, a political analyst based in Islamabad, told DW.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Aamer, too, says the talks are vital. The fact that the two sides agreed to come together in Islamabad is a major development itself according to Aamer, but the real breakthrough hinges on what happens over the weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“The talks could make or break; let’s hope for the former,”\u00a0she said. “Pakistan’s mediation role, along with that of other players like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and China, could remain important in providing a sounding board, but the two conflicting parties have all the say in determining the outcome.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Challenges ahead for US-Iran negotiations<\/h2>\n

Aamer says a lot is riding on the talks between the two parties, who will have to discuss controversial issues like the Strait of Hormuz and Israel’s continued heavy shelling of Lebanon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“If they reach some understanding, it will help stabilize the situation, but in case the talks collapse and the conflict continues, it will only further create economic and geopolitical chaos,” remarked Aamer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Analyst Husain is optimistic; he is not expecting a breakthrough, but has hope that the ceasefire could be extended.<\/p>\n

“I [see] indications that some positive outcomes could be achieved, including the extension of the ceasefire and the possibility of additional rounds of negotiations planned for the next few weeks,” he said.<\/p>\n

Tensions running high in Islamabad<\/h2>\n

Ahead of the crucial meeting, Islamabad’s usual hum feels subdued. Streetlights cast long shadows across unusually empty boulevards near the diplomatic enclave. Helicopters occasionally cut through the silence overhead.<\/p>\n

For now, the city waits, secured, scrutinized and suspended between tension and hope.<\/p>\n

“As long as they are talking, there is still a chance,”\u00a0said Ali, the doctor, glancing at another passing security convoy. “Everyone here just wants stability. We have seen enough instability already.”<\/p>\n

Edited by: Carla Bleiker<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

\n

The Pakistani capital Islamabad, situated at the foothills of the serene Margallah mountain range, is no stranger to high-level diplomacy, but this weekend the city feels different as the world is watching thetalks between US and Iranian delegations<\/a>. Their meeting comes after more than a month of war between the US and its ally Israel on one side and Iran<\/a> on the other.<\/p>\n

Large convoys of black SUVs sweep through unusually quiet streets as the city is on high alert. Police and military checkpoints have multiplied across major arteries.\u00a0Paramilitary rangers stand watch outside government buildings, their presence a visible reminder that the stakes are high as officials from the warring parties gather in Pakistan for the highly sensitive talks.<\/p>\n

\"Soldiers
Pakistani soldiers patrol to ensure security ahead of the US-Iran talks in IslamabadImage: Anjum Naveed\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

US-Iran talks expected to start on Saturday<\/h2>\n

Authorities have placed parts of the capital on high alert, tightening security around the Red Zone, Islamabad’s heavily guarded diplomatic and government district.<\/p>\n

Iranian officials and the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance are expected to reach Islamabad on Friday, while talks are likely to be held starting on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Several roads have been sealed, schools in nearby sectors have shifted to remote learning, and government offices in key areas have announced temporary closures to ease movement restrictions.<\/p>\n

“It feels like the city is holding its breath,”\u00a0said Fatima Ali, who works at a private hospital near Constitution Avenue, where government buildings are situated. “We have been told that Thursday and Friday are holidays. Security convoys are everywhere.”<\/p>\n

In focus: deescalation and Strait of Hormuz<\/h2>\n

According to reports, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, are expected to be involved in the discussions, although the final list of attendees has not been formally confirmed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The agenda is equally fluid, but regional de-escalation; maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz<\/a> and broader tensions between Washington and Tehran are expected to dominate the talks.<\/p>\n

\"Cargo
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through the global economyImage: Stringer\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Pakistani official who wanted to remain anonymous and who’s engaged in the preparations told DW, “We want the discussions to go swiftly. We are seriously engaged with both parties and don’t want to spoil the talks. We are facilitators and mediators and wish to reach a peaceful resolution. It’s up to Iran<\/a>and the US<\/a>to share any developments or announcements about the talks.”<\/p>\n

Pakistan takes center stage as negotiator<\/h2>\n

Analysts note that Islamabad’s hosting of the talks underscores its strategic importance at a time of mounting Middle East tensions.<\/p>\n

“Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have earned it credibility as a middle power who is showing agency as an active stakeholder in the future of the broader region,”\u00a0 Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York, told DW.<\/p>\n

“Being able to pull this off between two major adversaries and amid an environment of serious trust deficit is a major diplomatic win for a country that was up until last year seen at the peripheries in the international arena,”\u00a0Aamer said, adding that Pakistan’s “relations and understanding of Iran and its grown ties with President Trump\u2026 have helped the diplomatic outreach process at this critical moment.”<\/p>\n

\"Remnants
US and Israeli airstrikes have caused massive damage inside IranImage: Farnood\/SIPA\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Talks could \u2018pave way for broader agreement on de-escalation’<\/h2>\n

Israel and the US attacked Iran in late February, sparking a war that has killed thousands and devastated the global economy. Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor, triggering major oil and gas shortages, which led to dramatic price increases across the world.<\/p>\n

Pakistani intervention led to the parties agreeing to a two-week truce<\/a> on Tuesday night \u2014 but only after Trump had warned that a “whole civilization will die”\u00a0if Iran did not cooperate.<\/p>\n

“The Islamabad talks, I believe, could ultimately pave the way for a broader agreement on de-escalation in the coming weeks,”\u00a0Zahid Husain, a political analyst based in Islamabad, told DW.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Aamer, too, says the talks are vital. The fact that the two sides agreed to come together in Islamabad is a major development itself according to Aamer, but the real breakthrough hinges on what happens over the weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“The talks could make or break; let’s hope for the former,”\u00a0she said. “Pakistan’s mediation role, along with that of other players like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and China, could remain important in providing a sounding board, but the two conflicting parties have all the say in determining the outcome.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Challenges ahead for US-Iran negotiations<\/h2>\n

Aamer says a lot is riding on the talks between the two parties, who will have to discuss controversial issues like the Strait of Hormuz and Israel’s continued heavy shelling of Lebanon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“If they reach some understanding, it will help stabilize the situation, but in case the talks collapse and the conflict continues, it will only further create economic and geopolitical chaos,” remarked Aamer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Analyst Husain is optimistic; he is not expecting a breakthrough, but has hope that the ceasefire could be extended.<\/p>\n

“I [see] indications that some positive outcomes could be achieved, including the extension of the ceasefire and the possibility of additional rounds of negotiations planned for the next few weeks,” he said.<\/p>\n

Tensions running high in Islamabad<\/h2>\n

Ahead of the crucial meeting, Islamabad’s usual hum feels subdued. Streetlights cast long shadows across unusually empty boulevards near the diplomatic enclave. Helicopters occasionally cut through the silence overhead.<\/p>\n

For now, the city waits, secured, scrutinized and suspended between tension and hope.<\/p>\n

“As long as they are talking, there is still a chance,”\u00a0said Ali, the doctor, glancing at another passing security convoy. “Everyone here just wants stability. We have seen enough instability already.”<\/p>\n

Edited by: Carla Bleiker<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Pakistani capital Islamabad, situated at the foothills of the serene Margallah mountain range, is no stranger to high-level diplomacy, but this weekend the city feels different as the world is watching thetalks between US and Iranian delegations<\/a>. Their meeting comes after more than a month of war between the US and its ally Israel on one side and Iran<\/a> on the other.<\/p>\n

Large convoys of black SUVs sweep through unusually quiet streets as the city is on high alert. Police and military checkpoints have multiplied across major arteries.\u00a0Paramilitary rangers stand watch outside government buildings, their presence a visible reminder that the stakes are high as officials from the warring parties gather in Pakistan for the highly sensitive talks.<\/p>\n

Authorities have placed parts of the capital on high alert, tightening security around the Red Zone, Islamabad’s heavily guarded diplomatic and government district.<\/p>\n

Iranian officials and the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance are expected to reach Islamabad on Friday, while talks are likely to be held starting on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Several roads have been sealed, schools in nearby sectors have shifted to remote learning, and government offices in key areas have announced temporary closures to ease movement restrictions.<\/p>\n

“It feels like the city is holding its breath,”\u00a0said Fatima Ali, who works at a private hospital near Constitution Avenue, where government buildings are situated. “We have been told that Thursday and Friday are holidays. Security convoys are everywhere.”<\/p>\n

According to reports, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, are expected to be involved in the discussions, although the final list of attendees has not been formally confirmed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The agenda is equally fluid, but regional de-escalation; maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz<\/a> and broader tensions between Washington and Tehran are expected to dominate the talks.<\/p>\n

A Pakistani official who wanted to remain anonymous and who’s engaged in the preparations told DW, “We want the discussions to go swiftly. We are seriously engaged with both parties and don’t want to spoil the talks. We are facilitators and mediators and wish to reach a peaceful resolution. It’s up to Iran<\/a>and the US<\/a>to share any developments or announcements about the talks.”<\/p>\n

Analysts note that Islamabad’s hosting of the talks underscores its strategic importance at a time of mounting Middle East tensions.<\/p>\n

“Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have earned it credibility as a middle power who is showing agency as an active stakeholder in the future of the broader region,”\u00a0 Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York, told DW.<\/p>\n

“Being able to pull this off between two major adversaries and amid an environment of serious trust deficit is a major diplomatic win for a country that was up until last year seen at the peripheries in the international arena,”\u00a0Aamer said, adding that Pakistan’s “relations and understanding of Iran and its grown ties with President Trump\u2026 have helped the diplomatic outreach process at this critical moment.”<\/p>\n

Israel and the US attacked Iran in late February, sparking a war that has killed thousands and devastated the global economy. Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor, triggering major oil and gas shortages, which led to dramatic price increases across the world.<\/p>\n

Pakistani intervention led to the parties agreeing to a two-week truce<\/a> on Tuesday night \u2014 but only after Trump had warned that a “whole civilization will die”\u00a0if Iran did not cooperate.<\/p>\n

“The Islamabad talks, I believe, could ultimately pave the way for a broader agreement on de-escalation in the coming weeks,”\u00a0Zahid Husain, a political analyst based in Islamabad, told DW.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Aamer, too, says the talks are vital. The fact that the two sides agreed to come together in Islamabad is a major development itself according to Aamer, but the real breakthrough hinges on what happens over the weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“The talks could make or break; let’s hope for the former,”\u00a0she said. “Pakistan’s mediation role, along with that of other players like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and China, could remain important in providing a sounding board, but the two conflicting parties have all the say in determining the outcome.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Aamer says a lot is riding on the talks between the two parties, who will have to discuss controversial issues like the Strait of Hormuz and Israel’s continued heavy shelling of Lebanon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“If they reach some understanding, it will help stabilize the situation, but in case the talks collapse and the conflict continues, it will only further create economic and geopolitical chaos,” remarked Aamer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Analyst Husain is optimistic; he is not expecting a breakthrough, but has hope that the ceasefire could be extended.<\/p>\n

“I [see] indications that some positive outcomes could be achieved, including the extension of the ceasefire and the possibility of additional rounds of negotiations planned for the next few weeks,” he said.<\/p>\n

Ahead of the crucial meeting, Islamabad’s usual hum feels subdued. Streetlights cast long shadows across unusually empty boulevards near the diplomatic enclave. Helicopters occasionally cut through the silence overhead.<\/p>\n

For now, the city waits, secured, scrutinized and suspended between tension and hope.<\/p>\n

“As long as they are talking, there is still a chance,”\u00a0said Ali, the doctor, glancing at another passing security convoy. “Everyone here just wants stability. We have seen enough instability already.”<\/p>\n

Edited by: Carla Bleiker<\/em><\/p>\n

[analyse_source url=”https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-islamabad-on-edge-ahead-of-us-iran-peace-talks\/a-76743724″]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76742322_6.jpg”] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5C0Y0 Pakistan brokered the talks but it remains unclear whether Iran and the US will find some common groundImage: Ilya Ryzhov\/ITAR-TASS\/IMAGO The Pakistani capital Islamabad, situated at the foothills of the serene Margallah mountain range, is no stranger to high-level diplomacy, but this weekend the city feels different as the world is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-1876951","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876951","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1876951"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876951\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1876951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1876951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1876951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}