Islamabad Tightens Security and Traffic Ahead of Foreign Delegations' Talks

Middle Eastern outlets highlight Iran’s refusal to send a delegation and stress that no Iranian team has arrived in Islamabad. They describe a tense atmosphere in Pakistan, with heavy security and speculation but no confirmed Iranian presence. Commentators suggest Tehran is using public distance from the talks to gain leverage while still talking to Pakistan by phone.

• •Iranian diplomatic sources insist that no delegation has been dispatched to Islamabad for talks with the US.
• •Iranian state television reports that no Iranian officials have visited Islamabad despite growing speculation about talks.
• •Iran’s foreign minister has instead chosen to speak with Pakistani counterparts by phone about the situation.
• •Regional reports describe Islamabad as under tight security, with roads restricted around possible meeting sites.
• •Commentators in the region argue that Tehran wants to avoid the appearance of backing down to US pressure by publicly rejecting the second round.