Islamabad: Pakistan has implemented stringent security measures in Islamabad in anticipation of a potential second round of peace talks between Iran and the United States. The talks are anticipated to occur in the coming days, as tensions persist with the Iranian military forcing two ships to retreat from the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing confrontations with the US blockade of Iranian ports and the strait.
According to Thai News Agency, security in Islamabad has been significantly increased, with numerous roads closed and over 20,000 personnel, including snipers, deployed at strategic locations throughout the city. Access to the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, has been largely restricted. Furthermore, several luxury five-star hotels in the capital are fully booked to accommodate US and Iranian negotiators, related officials, and a large contingent of international media.
Reports indicate that a security team from the United States has begun arriving to coordinate security plans. U.S. President Donald Trump also mentioned on ABC television that U.S. negotiators are expected to arrive in Islamabad by tomorrow evening.
This development is in preparation for the anticipated second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran. Although no specific date has been confirmed by either nation, sources suggest the talks could commence as early as Monday or Tuesday, just before the two-week ceasefire expires on Wednesday, April 22nd. These discussions are crucial for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and addressing the global energy crisis.
Mohammad Bagher Galibaf, Iran's Speaker of the National Assembly and head of the negotiating team, stated that Iran's policy towards the United States involves a binding process based on equal commitment and a step-by-step approach. Galibaf acknowledged progress in the negotiations but emphasized that significant gaps remain, leaving fundamental issues unresolved and a final agreement distant.
Galibaf asserted that Iran entered the negotiations with good intentions but lacks trust in the United States. He stressed that the US must demonstrate sincerity through actions rather than words and end past behaviors undermining trust. He warned that if the US continues its blockade of Iranian ports, the Strait of Hormuz will require Iranian permission for passage.
Galibaf also accused the United States of potentially planning a ground attack despite the negotiations, declaring that Iran is prepared for both diplomatic and military confrontations and will not yield to any pressure.
Meanwhile, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) blocked two oil tankers, registered under the flags of Botswana and Angola, from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This action was in retaliation for the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran. The IRGC stated that it issued a warning before forcing the ships to change course, as their navigation through these strategic waters was unauthorized.
This incident follows Iran's announcement of reinstating stricter controls in the Strait of Hormuz, after a brief period of leniency during peace negotiations. Recently, an Indian oil tanker was also reportedly fired upon and forced to turn back.