- Islamabad entered a state of lockdown on Friday as Pakistan prepared to host high-stakes negotiations to end the US-Israeli war on Iran.
- The talks, held at the Serena Hotel, follow a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan's leaders, which was declared less than two hours before US President Donald Trump's deadline regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US delegation is expected to be led by Vice President JD Vance, while Iran will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
- Security was significantly heightened across the capital, with police closing the Red Zone to traffic and advising citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, due to the high-profile nature of the event and ongoing terrorism threats.
- Diplomats face immense pressure to achieve a deal that brings peace to the Middle East and stabilises the global economy, which has been impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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