Islamabad: Pakistan has stepped up security in and around the national capital as US President Donald Trump announced that American negotiators will arrive on Monday for renewed peace talks with Iran.

The US and Iran previously held rare direct discussions in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 aimed at ending the conflict, but the negotiations ended without any agreement.

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump confirmed that US negotiators would return to Pakistan for further talks with Iran, although it remains unclear who will lead the delegation. Vice President J D Vance had previously attended the first round of discussions in Islamabad.

Trump also told Fox News that Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff are heading to the Middle East, having both participated in earlier negotiations alongside Vance.

Even before the announcement, authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi had indicated the arrival of foreign delegations. Islamabad police said the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone would be fully closed to all traffic due to security requirements, advising citizens to use alternative routes.

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More than 10,000 police personnel and over 600 checkpoints have been deployed across Rawalpindi, according to local media reports, with similar security measures in place in Islamabad. Sensitive areas near Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport have also been sealed, while drone flights, pigeon flying and aerial firing have been banned.

Officials have declared a red alert in Rawalpindi, with police deployed on rooftops and strict security enforced in key police station jurisdictions. Restaurants, markets, parks, banks and shops in certain areas have been ordered to close temporarily, while public and heavy transport has been suspended in the capital.

Educational institutions have shifted classes online or postponed examinations, and all hostels in Rawalpindi have been shut until further notice.

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Authorities have also imposed restrictions on parking, guest records in hotels and guesthouses, and movement on rooftops and balconies along sensitive routes, with building owners held responsible for any violations.

Following the inconclusive first round of talks, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to facilitate further negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, while Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir travelled to Iran to help build consensus.

The current ceasefire between the US and Iran is scheduled to expire on April 21.