The world's attention is focused on Islamabad, where US and Iranian delegations will negotiate. Experts express cautious optimism, but emphasize that failure could bring even greater chaos.
Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, at the foot of the Margalla Range, is no stranger to high-level diplomacy, but this weekend the city looks different as the world focuses on talks between US and Iranian delegations. The meeting comes after more than a month of war between the US and its ally Israel on one side and Iran on the other.
An unusual calm has descended on Islamabad. Columns of black SUVs drive through nearly empty streets as the capital is on high alert. Numerous checkpoints and the presence of paramilitary forces around government buildings underscore the gravity of the delicate talks that will take place here between the warring parties.
US-Iran talks expected to begin on Saturday
Authorities have placed parts of the capital under tight security, tightening control in the Red Zone, Islamabad's heavily guarded diplomatic and government district.
Iranian officials and the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, are expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday (10.04.2026), with talks likely to begin on Saturday.
Several roads have been closed, schools in surrounding areas have switched to online learning, and state institutions at key points have announced temporary closures to ease movement restrictions.
In focus: de-escalation and the Strait of Hormuz
According to reports, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff, Marshal Asim Munir, are expected to be involved in the discussions, although the final list of participants has not yet been officially confirmed.
The agenda also remains open, but it is expected that the focus of the talks will be on the de-escalation of the situation in the region, maritime security — particularly in the Strait of Hormuz — as well as broader tensions between Washington and Tehran.
A Pakistani official involved in the preparations and who asked to remain anonymous told DW that Islamabad wants the talks to take place as quickly and without obstacles.
"We are seriously engaged with both sides and we do not want to jeopardize the process. Our role is that of a facilitator and a mediator, with the aim of reaching a peaceful solution," he said, adding that any developments or announcements on the talks are up to Iran and the United States.
Pakistan asserts itself as key mediator in talks
Analysts note that Islamabad's hosting of these talks underscores Pakistan's strategic importance at a time when tensions in the Middle East are intensifying.
"Pakistan's diplomatic efforts have provided the country with credibility as a middle power that is showing an active role and initiative as a stakeholder in the future of the wider region," Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York, told DW.
"To be able to achieve this between two great adversaries and in a climate of serious distrust constitutes a major diplomatic victory for a country that until last year was seen as on the periphery of the international arena," Aamer said.
She added that "Pakistan's relations and understanding with Iran, as well as its expanded ties with President Trump, have significantly assisted the process of diplomatic rapprochement at this critical juncture."
Basis for a de-escalation agreement
Israel and the United States attacked Iran in late February, triggering a war that has left thousands dead and severely damaged the global economy. Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy, causing major oil and gas shortages and a dramatic rise in prices worldwide.
Pakistan's intervention led the parties to a two-week ceasefire, reached on Tuesday evening — but only after former US President Donald Trump warned that "an entire civilization will disappear" if Iran does not cooperate.
High tension in Islamabad
Ahead of the crucial meeting, Islamabad's usual vibrancy seems subdued. Streetlights cast long shadows on the strangely empty boulevards near the diplomatic enclave. The silence is occasionally broken by helicopters flying overhead.
For now, the capital waits — secured, watched, and suspended between tension and hope.
“As long as they are talking, there is still a chance,” says Ali, a doctor, glancing at another security convoy passing by. “Everyone here just wants stability. We have seen enough instability already.”/DW/
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