The streets of Islamabad have been virtually empty since Saturday morning, keeping in mind the security of the talks.
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High-level talks between the US and Iran are set to begin in Pakistan today in an effort to ease the escalating conflict in West Asia.
A delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad on Saturday morning for the talks.
An Iranian team led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has already left for the city.
The two sides are set to meet face to face for the first time since the war began a month ago. It is seen as a first step towards a possible long-term peace.
However, challenges are already apparent before the talks begin. The ongoing exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah on the southern Lebanese border and Iran’s pre-conditions risk undermining a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan.
The streets of Islamabad have been deserted since Saturday morning, keeping in mind the security of the talks. Security forces have closed major roads and urged people to stay indoors. This has created a curfew-like situation in the city.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said the conflict was entering a “difficult phase” and that the main challenge now was to transform the temporary ceasefire into a permanent solution.
Before departing Washington for Islamabad, President Donald Trump congratulated Vance and said that Iran was militarily weak. Vance also expressed confidence that the talks would be positive, but warned that a tough stance would be taken if necessary.
(With the help of the agency)
