Nur Khan airbase activity rises as doubts linger over Iran-US talks in Islamabad

Activity at Nur Khan Airbase has intensified as Pakistan pushes ahead with preparations for expected talks between Iran and the United States, despite fresh uncertainty over Tehran’s participation.

According to BBC Urdu, US aircraft have reportedly continued arriving at the Rawalpindi base ahead of a planned delegation visit, even as Iranian officials indicated they have yet to decide whether to send a team for the second round of negotiations. The mixed signals have cast doubt over the talks, which are tentatively expected to begin on April 21 in Islamabad.

Security measures in the capital have nonetheless been finalised, with the Red Zone placed under strict lockdown. Authorities have deployed around 6,000 personnel from across Punjab, including approximately 200 elite snipers, to secure key locations in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi.

The developments follow remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said American representatives would travel to Pakistan for the talks and suggested he could visit himself if a deal is reached.

Iran’s foreign ministry, however, struck a more cautious tone on Monday, saying no final decision had been made regarding participation in the next round. The statement has added to the uncertainty surrounding the high-stakes engagement.

Even so, the visible build-up at Nur Khan Airbase and across Islamabad signals that preparations remain firmly on track, highlighting both the significance of the proposed talks and the unpredictability that continues to surround them.