ISLAMABAD — President Donald Trump has said “good news” on a second round of US–Iran talks could come as soon as Friday, with the New York Post reporting renewed mediation efforts from Islamabad and a possible breakthrough within the next 36 to 72 hours. Trump told the paper a fresh round was “possible”, after extending the ceasefire while Iran’s leadership works on what he described as a “unified proposal”.
Pakistani sources familiar with the negotiations and security preparations have told BPI News they still expect talks to go ahead this week, despite the latest delay and public uncertainty over Tehran’s position.
That comes against a backdrop of visible security measures already put in place in the capital. Islamabad Traffic Police have announced sweeping closures linked to the arrival of foreign delegations, including the full closure of the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone, restrictions on the Expressway from Koral to Zero Point, possible stoppages on Srinagar Highway, and a halt on heavy traffic entering the capital.
Blockade Remains The Central Obstacle
The main sticking point remains the US blockade on Iranian ports and shipping. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Iran told mediators it would send a delegation to Islamabad only once the United States lifts the blockade. The New York Post also reported that Pakistani interlocutors see the ceasefire as holding, but that diplomacy still depends on Tehran producing a common position.
Pakistani sources with knowledge of the talks told BPI News that Field Marshal Asim Munir directly raised the blockade issue with Trump, arguing that restrictions on Iranian shipping were hindering renewed negotiations. Those sources said Trump indicated he would consider the matter.
From Tehran’s point of view, entering talks while Iranian ports remain blockaded risks looking like capitulation under pressure. That helps explain why Iranian messaging has remained hard, even while Pakistani officials continue to prepare on the assumption that talks could still happen.
Iran’s Public Position Has Hardened
Iran’s public line has remained cautious to negative. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said no decision had yet been made on another round of negotiations, while Iranian officials have continued to frame the blockade as a ceasefire violation. Reuters and other outlets reported Trump’s extension of the ceasefire, but also noted that the blockade would stay in place while discussions continue.
That stance was reinforced by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who said the blockading of Iranian ports amounted to “an act of war” and a violation of the ceasefire, while also accusing the other side of striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage, according to the statement he posted publicly.
Islamabad’s Security Posture Says Pakistan Still Expects Movement
Even with Tehran’s resistance, the security picture in Islamabad continues to suggest Pakistan is keeping the door open for talks.
BPI News has previously reported that residents along the Nur Khan Airbase–Serena Hotel corridor were told not to film convoy movements, that guests at major hotels were asked to leave, and that no new bookings were being accepted. Sources involved in the security operation also told BPI News that police had been provided drone-jamming equipment.
Those local indicators sit alongside the official traffic diversions and lockdown-style restrictions already announced in the capital. Taken together, they suggest Pakistani authorities have not stood down the security architecture for a high-level diplomatic event.
How Much Is Pakistan Losing Each Day?
While no official figure has been released for the cost of the ongoing lockdown, available economic data provides a clearer indication of the scale of disruption.
Islamabad contributes roughly $5 billion annually to Pakistan’s economy, accounting for about 1% of national GDP despite having less than 1% of the population.
That places the capital’s direct economic output at approximately $13–14 million per day.
However, officials and analysts note that Islamabad’s role as the country’s administrative, diplomatic and military centre means the real economic impact of a shutdown is significantly higher.
The city hosts key government institutions, tax collection centres, military command structures and corporate headquarters, meaning disruption affects not just local activity but national decision-making, logistics and financial flows.
Taken together, the effective economic cost of a full lockdown including halted transport, suspended business activity, hotel closures and delays to government operations is likely to extend into the tens of millions of dollars per day, even if much of that activity is delayed rather than permanently lost.
Pakistan Still Appears To Be Betting On A Breakthrough
For now, Islamabad appears to be operating on the assumption that talks are still salvageable.
Trump’s latest comment has reopened the possibility of a second round by Friday, but the diplomatic gap remains the same: Washington wants movement from Tehran first, while Iran wants relief from the blockade before coming to the table.
Pakistani sources told BPI News they believe negotiations can still take place this week if that deadlock is eased. Until then, Islamabad remains prepared, the security posture remains elevated, and the ceasefire clock continues to tick.